Willie Clayton was born March 1955 in Dallas, Texashe relocated to Chicago in 1971. Willie was known for his Deeply soulful voice, extensive discography, and staying power. He has been on the Soul/Blues scene for decades.
Career Highlights
-
Early Years & The Soul Blenders (1960s):
-
Played drums and sang with the Soul Blenders, a Dallas-based R&B group.
-
Released five singles on Duplex Records in 1969, including “That’s What My Daddy Did” b/w “Falling In Love”.
-
Backed Louisiana soul singer Ernie Johnson.
-
-
Move to Chicago & Signing with Pawn Records (1974):
-
Introduced to legendary producer Willie Mitchell (known for working with Al Green).
-
Signed to Pawn Records (Hi Records subsidiary).
-
Released soul classics like “I Must Be Losin’ You”, “It’s Time You Made Up Your Mind”, and “Baby You’re Ready”.
-
This period helped cement his early solo career.
-
-
Touring Era (Late 1970s):
-
Toured with icons such as Al Green, Barry White, and James Brown.
-
-
Independent Push (1980s):
-
Launched his own label Sky Hero in 1980.
-
Released “Living with You, But My Heart Is Somewhere Else”.
-
In 1984, recorded “Tell Me” (produced by General Crook) and “What a Way to Put It” for Compleat Records, gaining modest R&B chart success.
-
Recorded for Kirstee Records, where “Your Sweetness” became an underground Soul classic, especially in the UK (notably London playlists in 1987).
-
-
Polydor Records Signing:
-
The buzz from Kirstee led to a deal with Polydor, expanding his reach.
-
-
Modern Era (2017–2022):
-
Released multiple albums via Endzone that charted on the Blues Albums charts:
-
Crossroad Of The Blues
-
Sings The Number Ones
-
Excellence
-
Simply Beautiful
-
Soul Caesar
-
Caesar Soul & Blues
-
-