Sam Clayton has been a singer and percussionist, primarily focusing on drums; conga and djembe, throughout his musical career. He is best known for his membership as percussionist and supporting vocalist with the American rock band Little Feat since 1972.
As a young man, he was influenced by R&B; music, and gospel music. After seeing Lester Horton and the modern dancers, "Zapata", he was enthralled by seeing the conga player. However, it wasn't u...
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Sam Clayton has been a singer and percussionist, primarily focusing on drums; conga and djembe, throughout his musical career. He is best known for his membership as percussionist and supporting vocalist with the American rock band Little Feat since 1972.
As a young man, he was influenced by R&B; music, and gospel music. After seeing Lester Horton and the modern dancers, "Zapata", he was enthralled by seeing the conga player. However, it wasn't until a chance opportunity to sit in with a house band for a song on the congas at a farewell dinner, just as he was laid off from his employment in electro-mechanical engineering drafting, that Clayton was offered the chance to join a band and play. Clayton played for a short time with Little Richard, and says he was inspired by "what Mongo Santamaría was doing with Cal Tjader".
Clayton was introduced to Little Feat, an eclectic band drenched in Southern rhythms, funk, and alternative rock, by his friend Kenny Gradney with whom he had played...
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