/
RSS Feed
Clarence R. “Clay” Drayton is a songwriter, arranger, producer, and seasoned sideman whose creative DNA is woven into the legendary Motown sound. He is perhaps best recognized for his masterful arrangement on Diana Ross’s iconic, gold-certified anthem “Love Hangover,” a track that helped define the rhythmic pulse of the disco era.
With a career spanning more than four decades, Drayton’s songwriting and production credits read like a “Who’s Who” of R&B and Soul excellence. His work has been recorded by legendary acts such as The Jackson 5, Lenny Williams, Al Wilson, High Inergy, and Táta Vega. This deep well of experience has made him a global ambassador for the craft; he frequently speaks to songwriting organizations worldwide and currently mentors the next generation of hitmakers as a faculty member at The Songwriting School of Los Angeles.
Drayton was also a cofounder of the late 60’s Newark, NJ funk outfit Soul Excitement, a group who recorded and released only one 45 that was destined to become a classic: 1969’s “Smile” b/w “Stay Together.” “Stay Together” begins with a deceptive, sluggish weight, anchored by a peculiar sing-song vocal that feels almost psychedelic. The track then suddenly detonates into a high-speed frenzy: the band shifts gears instantly, locked into a relentless groove over razor-sharp drumming while the group trades off powerful, socially-conscious lyrics. It is a thrilling transformation that turns a slow burn into an absolute explosion of rhythm and soul.
Drayton’s influence also extends into musical innovation. In 2006, he pivoted from the soundboard to the workshop to invent the Phatfoot Drum Harness, a specialized tool designed to provide stability for drummers and percussionists.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.