Merry Clayton

Date of Birth: December 25, 1948

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Biography

Merry Clayton is an acclaimed American soul and gospel singer, renowned for her powerful and passionate vocal performances. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Merry grew up in a musical family and began singing at an early age. She rose to fame as a backup singer, working with some of the biggest names in music during the 1960s and 1970s, including Ray Charles, Joe Cocker, and Carole King. Clayton is perhaps best known for her spine-tingling duet with Mick Jagger on the Rolling Stones’ classic track “Gimme Shelter.” Her contributions to the music industry have earned her widespread recognition and numerous accolades. In addition to her work as a backup singer, Merry Clayton has released several solo albums, showcasing her incredible vocal talent and versatility. Her career was further highlighted in the 2013 documentary “20 Feet from Stardom,” which brought attention to the unsung heroes behind some of the greatest hits in music history.

5 Interesting Facts about Merry Clayton

1. Merry Clayton’s performance on “Gimme Shelter” is one of the most iconic moments in rock history, and her powerful voice helped to elevate the song to legendary status.

2. She was pregnant at the time she recorded her vocals for “Gimme Shelter.”

3. Merry Clayton’s rendition of “Southern Man” on Neil Young’s album “After the Gold Rush” is another standout performance in her career.

4. In 2014, she suffered serious injuries in a car accident, resulting in the amputation of both legs below the knee, but she continues to inspire with her resilience and determination.

5. Clayton’s contributions to the music industry were acknowledged with a Grammy Award for Best Music Film for “20 Feet from Stardom.”