Merry Clayton: Merry Clayton (1971)

Best known for her background vocal work on the Rolling Stones' legendary single ‘Gimme Shelter,’ Merry Clayton had a long and successful career as backup singer, solo artist and actress. Born December 25, 1948 (hence the rather "holiday" feel of her first name), in New Orleans, LA, Clayton recorded tracks with Elvis Presley, the Supremes, Ray Charles, and Joe Cocker, as well as being a member of Ray Charles' Raelettes in the early '60s. Her solo debut, ‘The Doorbell Rings,’ was released in 1963, and she eventually found success as a session singer for the aforementioned artists. She followed up her best-known work – the appearance on ‘Gimme Shelter’– with a solo album of the same name, and during the '70s managed some minor R&B hits with tracks like ‘After All This Time’, in 1971, and ‘Oh No Not My Baby’, in 1973. After a brief hiatus from the music business, Clayton did minor acting work, appearing in the film Maid to Order and Cagney & Lacey. She returned to the music side of things in the ‘90s, albeit as a gospel singer. This album, released in 1971, is Clayton's fourth after Brewster McCloud, Gimme Shelter and Celebration. The set was done in LA with arrangements by insiders that include Jerry Peters, Carole King and Billy Preston. It features some tight and sometimes funky backing by the likes of David T Walker, Wilton Felder, Paul Humphrey, and Curtis Amy. There are a few tasty bits on here, including 'Southern Man' and a nice cover of Bill Withers' ‘Grandma's Hands’, and Jerry Peters ‘Love Me or Let Me Be Lonely’. Other tracks include ‘Same Old Story’, ‘Walk on In’ and ‘A Song for You’. Thanks to EliotW for this!! http://www.dustygroove.com/, http://www.allmusic.com/

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