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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZCLANTON, Jimmy(b Sep. '40, Baton Rouge LA) Singer. Played in school group the Dixie Cats, met pianist Dick Holler (who later wrote 'Abraham, Martin And John': four top 40 versions '67--71), joined Holler's group (the Night Trainers, subsequently changed name to Rockets). They went to New Orleans to make demos in Cosimo Matassa's studio, lineup incl. Bobby Loveless, tenor sax; Grady Caldwell, bass; Junior Bergeron, drums. During demo session Matassa came by studio with Ace Records boss Johnny Vincent, who signed Clanton as solo with Matassa as manager. Debut single 'Just A Dream' with Mac Rebennack, Allen Toussaint in session group went gold, made US top five '58. After several more top 40 hits, Clanton made film Go, Jimmy, Go (also starring Alan Freed, Chuck Berry); title song made top four '59. Only UK hit 'Another Sleepless Night' no. 50 '60 (no. 22 USA). Drafted into US Army, then made top ten with 'Venus In Blue Jeans' '62, then swamped by British Invasion. Lived in Pennsylvania '80s, reportedly singing religious songs. |