How do you earn the name America's Piano Player?  By being able to reach all ages and people.  This is something Big Clayton has managed to do.  His goal is to let his music bring a joy to your soul, a smile to your face, and a dance to your feet.  Whether being from one of his Boogie Woogie styling songs or to an emotional heart felt gospel song, Claytons goal is to reach his audience.  "Music is such a powerful tool.  It can minister to people without even having to say a word" Clayton says.  "I love to have people come up after my show telling me that I blessed their hearts, or that I have made their trip worth while."  "I love to see a grandpa reach down and start dancing with his grandchild, money can't buy that kind of happiness!!" 

Clayton's roots are in church where he taught himself how to play the piano.  He learned to play with influences like Floyd Cramer, Anthony Burger, Pinetop Perkins, and Ray Charles to name a few.  His Gospel influenced Boogie Woogie leaves people amazed as Clayton tickles the ivories and strides all over the keys.  "I have people often tell me that I missed one of the 88 keys when I play."  People can't believe his speed, how he plays with soul, and they just can't believe he has never had a lesson. 

After Clayton has them hooked with his boogie, he will switch and pull out some killer chops playing some blues.  "Blues originated from the church, and if you ever have played in a church in the south you should be able to feel the blues.  I had the privilege of growing up playing in a church who's song leader sang much like Mahalia Jackson."  Playing in the mixed church is where Clayton got his time to learn to play the Hammond B3 Organ.  So much so that even Hammond has endorsed Clayton as one of their artist.

After much encouragement from his friends, Big Clayton responded to an ad in the paper for auditions as a street entertainer at the Branson Landing in Branson, Missouri.  "I was reading the paper and saw the ad and something just jumped in me that said, almost yelling, "Go".  My family and I made it down there and I was the last one to audition.  I was scared to death.  The two songs I played was When the Saints Go Marching In, and How Great Thou Art.  I was so nervous playing in the outdoor amphitheater in front of those $7.5 Million dollar fountains.  I don't even remember looking up from the keyboard".  Not only did he get the job as a street entertainer for one of the busiest attractions in the live entertainment capital, Branson, but still holds an active position there.  "I still love coming down here after all these years.  It is a great place for me to meet people and get my music heard.  Not only that but I can try out new songs here and get a great vibe off the people if the song will work or not."  The Landing has given Clayton the ability to build confidence in his playing and has taught him how to connect with the audience. 

Playing on the streets has opened many doors for Clayton one of which he is still doing today.  "In the Christmas season of 2012 I got a call while I was playing at the landing.  I normally don't take calls while I'm working, but that same voice in me said to answer it.  I'm so glad I did!!  I almost dropped the phone when the voice on the other end said "Clayton, this is Scott Presley"."  Clayton is now doing the Pre-Show entertainment for the first family of entertainment in Branson at the Presleys' Show.  "How awesome is it to work for the first show in Branson." The show is a Gospel Sing-a-Long which is very fitting for Clayton with his church background. "It feels like we are having a church singing every night now,  I love it."  Big C, as some call him, has since been featured several times on the Presley's TV show on RFD TV and more and more people are falling in love with his ministry.

Even though Clayton has played on national TV, has been heard on radio across the country,and has played for thousands of people, people still get to see a very humble man.   Big C gets to share his testimony every night and is quick to give credit to God for his gift.  "I didn't think God could ever use anybody like me, but I saw a story in the Bible where God used a Donkey.  If He can use one of the most stubborn animals, surely He can use me!!!"  Clayton tells people every night.

Don't miss the opportunity to have Clayton at your church or event.  Visit the contact page and send a message.


 

News

2011 Branson Season 

Just a couple weeks left of the 2011 Branson Entertainment season.  A lot of the shows are already closing down and I am already making plans for the 2012 season.  Not sure what to expect, but I have do several Iron's warming in the fire.  I will like always keep you posted on my website.