Jeff Clayton, the acclaimed jazz saxophonist, flutist and bandleader who labored with such legendary artists as Frank Sinatra, Stevie Marvel, Madonna and Depend Basie, died Dec. 17 in Los Angeles. He was 65.
The cause of dying was issues from kidney most cancers — “a fight which Clayton valiantly fought for about two years” — in accordance to a information launch. The news of his dying was verified by Clayton’s brother, John, and longtime manager Gail Boyd.
“I am unfortunate but buoyed by Jeff’s spirit, by recalling 6 many years of expansion jointly, by the music we shared, and the know-how that he needs us to move on, embracing and celebrating everyday living,” reported John Clayton, a Grammy-winning jazz bassist.
The two Clayton brothers labored together for many years, forming the Grammy-nominated Clayton Brothers Quintet and co-founding the acclaimed Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra with drummer Jeff Hamilton.
“Jeff was passionate about this audio. His enjoy, joy, perseverance and perception of humor attracted so numerous to him,” Jeff Hamilton mentioned in a statement. “He experienced his have eyesight by way of his compositions that invited many others to see that identical eyesight. He leaves an irreplaceable void,”
Clayton was an in-demand from customers sideman who executed with an A-list of stars for the duration of his numerous decades in the audio company, together with Stevie Ponder, Gladys Knight, Kenny Rogers, Michael Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Madonna, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Herman, Lionel Hampton and Lena Horne.
He was also a member of the famous Rely Basie Orchestra, initially less than the path of Basie and then Thad Jones.
“Jeff uncovered joy in his playing whether or not it was a buoyant uptempo tune or a slow mournful ballad,” Boyd, Clayton’s longtime supervisor, reported. “One could not assistance but be moved. He bought as significantly pleasure from teaching some others. I was blessed to stand for him for the earlier 27 a long time.”
Memorial aspects will be announced at a afterwards date.
More Stories
How Much Does It Cost to Advertise on Facebook?
20 Best Flat Top Haircuts For Men: Top Hairstyles 2022
Magic and Monet | Reagan Upshaw Fine Art