"They call her Merry Clayton because she was born on a Merry Christmas Day." So boldly states the liner notes of my favorite album from one of the greatest singers--once more, THE GREATEST SINGERS--ever. Unfortunately, Ms. Merry is also one of the most underrated. Born in New Orleans, and growing up gospel, Merry Clayton is no stranger to church--she takes us there on every recording she's ever done!
I was sitting in Mesa Grill in Las Vegas some-odd years ago over burgers with my sisters and brother-in-law. In between bites we chatted regularly, but then my attention turned to the background music for a moment. I was enraptured by a voice that was quietly aching from the restaurant speakers. "Southern Man you better use your head, don't forget what your good book said..." Those words hit me like a ton of bricks--or maybe it was the margarita--either way I was floored. Without "Shazam" capabilities, I promptly tucked away in my head the song title "Southern Man" and categorized the voice as belonging to a female soul singer from days gone by.
I had to know the name of that voice. When I did my research and stumbled on Merry Clayton, I realized I was familiar with her calling card as the vocalist on "Gimme Shelter," but was unaware of her solo material. I quickly got my hands on a copy of her third eponymous album for the Ode Record label and became a baptized fan. Most internet outlets and musicians reference her work with the Rolling Stones on 'Shelter' but for me, her strongest, most soul stirring contribution to the American Soul catalog is "Merry Clayton" the album containing the song that moved me from my Mesa Grill banquette "Southern Man" written by white Neil Young, but especially poignant in 1971 wailing from the vocal chords of an African American woman.
Produced by Lou Adler for the aforementioned Ode label, 'Clayton' contains 11 songs of sheer vocal prowess and emotional velocity. With Carole King as a label mate and released the same year as the gargantuan "Tapestry," it's only fitting that there are 3 compositions penned by King on Merry's record--in addition to King's keyboard work: "Walk On In, After All This Time," and my personal favorite "Same Old Story," a track with a vocal roar and strings that will get you in the gut. In addition, one of the best recorded versions of Leon Russell's "A Song For You" is included here. Never included on her "Best Of" compilations is a song that I think is one of the strongest of the record "Love Me Or Let Me Be Lonely" covered here by Clayton and originally a 1970 hit for "The Friends Of Distinction." Her version obliterates theirs. This song never fails to get me on the good foot.
Whether or not they're aware of it, there are a popular artists today who might think about dropping Merry C. a note, thanking her for influencing their vocals and musical style. Merry can be heard in the music of Joss Stone (check out the underrated, critically misinterpreted Soul Sessions Vol. 2 in addition to the much lauded Vol. 1). M. Clayton lives on in the pipes of Brittany Howard of "Alabama Shakes" and according to her Wikipedia page, Merry sang background on the classic Tori Amos track "Cornflake Girl." That's what I call eclectic!
Today, Merry Clayton is probably most recognizable from her part in the the Oscar-winning documentary "Twenty Feet From Stardom." She broke my heart when she looked to the camera and said "I felt like if I just gave my heart to what I was doing, I would automatically be a star." The unfortunate reality is that she was greatly overshadowed by Aretha Franklin, no fault of hers, but apparently there was room for only one set of earth-shattering pipes. Though Aretha is one of my all-time-favorite singers ever--EVAH--I must--WE music lovers must, acknowledge that Merry Clayton's voice is worthy of the same realm as sister Aretha. Do yourself a favor and head over to iTunes and download this Gem-Of-A-Jam "Merry Clayton" (also available as an Import hard copy on amazon) put on your headphones, and get ready to get "Steamroller(ed)" another rhythm and blues buster by no doubt, one of the greatest American vocalists of our time.
UPDATE: On June 16, Merry Clayton was in a horrendous car crash which has left her in critical condition. Sending her sweet music on high, now more than ever, and continuing to listen to her instrument and allowing it to transform my life, one note at a time.