America's Songbird Myrna Clayton
Atlanta, Georgia, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2015 | SELF
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The best kept secret in music
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From time to time we come across singers who can emulate the stylings of the masters, Nancy, Aretha, Minnie, Whitney, the list goes on. But it takes more than vocal execution. It takes versatility, stage presence, connection with the audience, and among other abilities, knowing how to fill in those awkward gaps between songs when the band just ain't ready yet. MYRNA CLAYTON possesses these qualities. Her clear sensual diction flows from small talk right into lyric as if it were a circle with no beginning or end. This petite songstress has a career plan that's taking her through the major U.S. cities and on to international shores. Should we be fortunate to witness her performance could mean having a peek at who may become the next household name of song. Myrna Clayton - remember that name, remember that face.
by Leon P. Sealey - At The Corner of Jazz & Funk (Facebook)
From time to time we come across singers who can emulate the stylings of the masters, Nancy, Aretha, Minnie, Whitney, the list goes on. But it takes more than vocal execution. It takes versatility, stage presence, connection with the audience, and among other abilities, knowing how to fill in those awkward gaps between songs when the band just ain't ready yet. MYRNA CLAYTON possesses these qualities. Her clear sensual diction flows from small talk right into lyric as if it were a circle with no beginning or end. This petite songstress has a career plan that's taking her through the major U.S. cities and on to international shores. Should we be fortunate to witness her performance could mean having a peek at who may become the next household name of song. Myrna Clayton - remember that name, remember that face.
by Leon P. Sealey - At The Corner of Jazz & Funk (Facebook)
The elegant "Myrna Clayton Experience" will be performed this weekend in two locations in the D.C. area.
The first performance takes place on Fri. Dec. 7, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church's "Friday Jazz Night," located at 400 I St. in Southwest. It will feature The Jackie Hairston Trio with Wade Beach.
The performance on Saturday, Dec. 8 takes place from 7 p.m to 11 p.m. and feaures Bill Hymon and his "New Jazz Collective" band, which will perform at McLoone's Pier House, located at 141 National Plaza at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md.
The dynamic songbird, Myrna Clayton, hails from Atlanta and has captivated audiences across the country and abroad. Her forthright musical style is rooted in jazz with a powerhouse of diva influences that include her music teacher -- the local legendary Ronnie Wells -- as well as Nancy Wilson, Shirley Horne, Nina Simone and Etta James.
Clayton's sultry style is a testimony to "many are called and few are chosen." When you witness the exuberant Clayton sing jazz classics with a heap of natural originality, you will holler, "Encore!" and "One Mo Time!"
For more information, call 301-839-0815 or visit: www.mcloonespierhousenh.com - Washington Informer
The elegant "Myrna Clayton Experience" will be performed this weekend in two locations in the D.C. area.
The first performance takes place on Fri. Dec. 7, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church's "Friday Jazz Night," located at 400 I St. in Southwest. It will feature The Jackie Hairston Trio with Wade Beach.
The performance on Saturday, Dec. 8 takes place from 7 p.m to 11 p.m. and feaures Bill Hymon and his "New Jazz Collective" band, which will perform at McLoone's Pier House, located at 141 National Plaza at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md.
The dynamic songbird, Myrna Clayton, hails from Atlanta and has captivated audiences across the country and abroad. Her forthright musical style is rooted in jazz with a powerhouse of diva influences that include her music teacher -- the local legendary Ronnie Wells -- as well as Nancy Wilson, Shirley Horne, Nina Simone and Etta James.
Clayton's sultry style is a testimony to "many are called and few are chosen." When you witness the exuberant Clayton sing jazz classics with a heap of natural originality, you will holler, "Encore!" and "One Mo Time!"
For more information, call 301-839-0815 or visit: www.mcloonespierhousenh.com - Washington Informer
Page 17 in June Issue
- ISSUU
Page 17 in June Issue
- ISSUU
Songstress Myrna Clayton will bring her smooth, jazzy and spiritual vocal style to the Porter Sanford Community Arts Center on Feb. 11.
Clayton, who performs regularly at the Juke Joint in downtown Atlanta, will perform at 7 p.m.
The vocalist has performed at festivals, outdoor arenas, corporate celebrations, religious and nonreligious conferences, homeless shelters, senior centers, and prisons.
She has opened for Ruben Studdard, Alex Bugnon, and the Manhattans, just to name a few.
The Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center is at 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur.
Read more: CrossRoadsNews - Juke Joint singer at Sanford Center - CrossRoads News
Songstress Myrna Clayton will bring her smooth, jazzy and spiritual vocal style to the Porter Sanford Community Arts Center on Feb. 11.
Clayton, who performs regularly at the Juke Joint in downtown Atlanta, will perform at 7 p.m.
The vocalist has performed at festivals, outdoor arenas, corporate celebrations, religious and nonreligious conferences, homeless shelters, senior centers, and prisons.
She has opened for Ruben Studdard, Alex Bugnon, and the Manhattans, just to name a few.
The Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center is at 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur.
Read more: CrossRoadsNews - Juke Joint singer at Sanford Center - CrossRoads News
MYRNA CLAYTON will be performing at this years Atlanta Jazz Festival. Her performances are incredible.
The Atlanta Jazz Festival is regarded as one of the Country's largest FREE jazz festivals. It is an annual musical showcase, celebrates jazz legends and up-and-coming jazz greats in venues throughout metropolitan Atlanta during the entire month of May. Culminating during each Memorial Day weekend, the festival features show-stopping performances at Piedmont Park. - The Music Specialists
MYRNA CLAYTON will be performing at this years Atlanta Jazz Festival. Her performances are incredible.
The Atlanta Jazz Festival is regarded as one of the Country's largest FREE jazz festivals. It is an annual musical showcase, celebrates jazz legends and up-and-coming jazz greats in venues throughout metropolitan Atlanta during the entire month of May. Culminating during each Memorial Day weekend, the festival features show-stopping performances at Piedmont Park. - The Music Specialists
Participants - Row 4...Myrna Clayton... - Wikipedia
Participants - Row 4...Myrna Clayton... - Wikipedia
I just love to watch Myrna Clayton perform. She works so well with any band and with any crowd. Myrna is a real CLASS ACT! She is stylish and graceful! I love to see this lady LIVE. What an awesome talent and witty personality! Supported by Thomas Blalock - bass Steve Gooden - drums and the extremely gifted Jody Mayfield. - NME Online Magazine
I just love to watch Myrna Clayton perform. She works so well with any band and with any crowd. Myrna is a real CLASS ACT! She is stylish and graceful! I love to see this lady LIVE. What an awesome talent and witty personality! Supported by Thomas Blalock - bass Steve Gooden - drums and the extremely gifted Jody Mayfield. - NME Online Magazine
Atlanta — Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) President Dr. John E. Maupin Jr. will draw upon his roots as a jazz artist when he jams with other jazz musicians Thursday, April 10, 2008. Maupin will dust off his flute for the session, which will close out the Jazz 91.9 WCLK FM inaugural outdoor "Vote for Jazz" Community Benefit Concert at the student center on the campus of Clark Atlanta University (CAU).
The noon - 5 p.m. concert will feature two bands, city of Atlanta elected officials, community leaders, all-star music reunions and more than 10 musicians to include jazz vocalist Toni Redd, songstress Melissa Young, jazz funk electric violinist Delores Major, jazz vocalist Myrna Clayton, vocalist Blé and the dynamic sounds of Hudson on Bass and Khat Phud.
The premiere event will be broadcast live on 91.9 FM in Atlanta and on the World Wide Web and videotaped for later broadcast on CAU-TV.
In addition to special guest performances and appearances, there will be a finale jam session beginning at 4 p.m. featuring Maupin and former CAU Jazz Band trumpeter Milkshake. WCLK on-air personalities Morris "In the Morning" Baxter, Nicole of Quiet Storm and RivaBlue of Jazz at Sun Down will co-host the benefit gala.
Who: MSM President Dr. John E. Maupin Jr. and Jazz 91.9 WCLK FM
What: "Vote for Jazz" Outdoor Community Concert
When: Thursday, April 10, 2008 from Noon - 5 p.m. ET (Maupin appearance at 4:20 p.m.)
Where: Clark Atlanta University Student Center, 111 James P. Brawley Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
WCLK-FM, a National Public Radio affiliate station celebrates 34 years as the only radio station that broadcasts a mix of American music, cultural programming, inclusive news and information specific to the Atlanta community. For station information and programming details, please visit www.wclk.com.
- Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM)
Atlanta — Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) President Dr. John E. Maupin Jr. will draw upon his roots as a jazz artist when he jams with other jazz musicians Thursday, April 10, 2008. Maupin will dust off his flute for the session, which will close out the Jazz 91.9 WCLK FM inaugural outdoor "Vote for Jazz" Community Benefit Concert at the student center on the campus of Clark Atlanta University (CAU).
The noon - 5 p.m. concert will feature two bands, city of Atlanta elected officials, community leaders, all-star music reunions and more than 10 musicians to include jazz vocalist Toni Redd, songstress Melissa Young, jazz funk electric violinist Delores Major, jazz vocalist Myrna Clayton, vocalist Blé and the dynamic sounds of Hudson on Bass and Khat Phud.
The premiere event will be broadcast live on 91.9 FM in Atlanta and on the World Wide Web and videotaped for later broadcast on CAU-TV.
In addition to special guest performances and appearances, there will be a finale jam session beginning at 4 p.m. featuring Maupin and former CAU Jazz Band trumpeter Milkshake. WCLK on-air personalities Morris "In the Morning" Baxter, Nicole of Quiet Storm and RivaBlue of Jazz at Sun Down will co-host the benefit gala.
Who: MSM President Dr. John E. Maupin Jr. and Jazz 91.9 WCLK FM
What: "Vote for Jazz" Outdoor Community Concert
When: Thursday, April 10, 2008 from Noon - 5 p.m. ET (Maupin appearance at 4:20 p.m.)
Where: Clark Atlanta University Student Center, 111 James P. Brawley Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
WCLK-FM, a National Public Radio affiliate station celebrates 34 years as the only radio station that broadcasts a mix of American music, cultural programming, inclusive news and information specific to the Atlanta community. For station information and programming details, please visit www.wclk.com.
- Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM)
By Lawrence Specker | lspecker@al.com
on December 15, 2015 at 1:22 PM, updated December 15, 2015 at 1:31 PM
MOJO is calling its next Jazz Jambalaya a "Winter Solstice Holiday Jam." They should be calling it "From Russia with Love," in honor of vocalist Myrna Clayton, who'll be bringing a special spirit to the stage.
Clayton, an Atlanta-based vocalist who has proven popular in appearances at BayFest and previous MOJO functions, returns on Monday, Dec. 21, when the Mystic Order of the Jazz Obsessed presents its monthly musical gathering at Gulf City Lodge. She's fresh off her third tour of Russia, a run that started shortly after a Russian jetliner that broke up over Egypt on Oct. 31, likely due to a bomb, and which was in progress when terrorists conducted a deadly attack in Paris on Nov. 13. It wasn't the most reassuring time to be traveling abroad.
"My spirit was very much wanting to talk peace. And connect, as an American," Clayton said. "Because I'm not confused. I'm very much an American going over there ... I'm black, I'm a brown woman, nobody looked like me over there. Period. And so the reality of that is ... we're just alike."
For Monday's Jazz Jambalaya, Clayton will be backed by a band consisting of Joe Lyons on drums, Ellis Bryan on bass, Chuck Swartz on sax and Ron Williams on keys, with technical support from Gerald Grant. She said she'll do a mix of standards and contemporary tunes, including some seasonal songs.
The important thing, again, is the human element. Clayton said she's out to challenge the notion that jazz is an elitist genre. "That is absolutely not the origin of jazz," she said. "Jazz is a dance music. It's for the folks to come out and have a good time ... Jazz is the people's music. And we need to be reminded of that."
"I want them to walk away feeling so good that they want to take it out into the community," she said. "That energy of love, that energy of joy. This being the season of love, that they take it out into the community, and into their homes first, and then into the community."
"If we ourselves make ourselves feel a certain way, positively, it can't help but ooze out into others," Clayton said. "Once we come out, there's a lot going on that's not so positive. So I want that energy that they feel in there, that warmth that they feel, to bring that out into the community, into their homes and express it. Not just hold it in, but let it out. Smile at somebody that's frowning."
"Vladivostok is between Japan and North Korea," she said, referring to one city where she performed. "So, of course, this little brown girl from America had to start praying, because I'm like, 'Wait a minute, North Korea? But the people there (in Vladivostok) and the people all over Russia that I experienced, they love jazz music, they love to dance it and enjoy themselves."
Much of her set was a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, but she also worked in Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World."
"Before I sang that song in every city, I made it a point to emphasize that we are more alike than different," she said. "That when I smile, it probably looks like your smile, when I get mad it probably looks like when you get mad, when you cut me I bleed red just like you. And so if we can focus more on our similarities as opposed to our differences, then we can find more places for peace than war. And I said that, and then I went into 'What a Wonderful World.'
"Once I made that statement, before I began singing, the audience applauded in agreement," she said. "It really emphasizes the point, one, of how universal music is and how it cuts across cultural lines and political lines to really get the core and the essence of a person. And the other thing is, there are lot of things happening politically that the individual citizens aren't involved in ... The people of Russia are just like us. There's some stuff going on, there are some decisions being made, but the people, the individuals, the families, are just like us. It's just such a wonderful connection."
MOJO's Jazz Jambalaya for December starts at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, at Gulf City Lodge, 601 State St. in downtown Mobile. Lighted parking and security are provided. Admission is $8 for members, $12 for visitors, $10 for students and military personnel with ID; the price includes a light jambalaya dinner and patrons are encouraged to bring a dish to share. For more information, visit www.mojojazz.org.
For more information on Clayton and the nonprofit organization Abel 2, which works to "meet the needs of underserved communities through music and art," visit www.myrnaclayton.com. - Mobile Press Register
Discography
Myrna dedicated her song MY SHINING MOMENT (co-written by Clarence "CB" Bell) at the 2012 Army Ten Miler to support Wounded Warriors for the Wounded Warrior Games in 2013 and Beyond.
Myrna is in the studio now working on her 2nd CD. This time a Dance Music CD.
The newest single: I GOTTA CHANGE released May 2011 and is available on www.iTunes.com
Published song lyrics for other artists:
- PUMPKIN AND THE PRAYING MANTIS
- HIDDEN SHAME
- TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE
Myrna's 1st CD entitled: Lessons In The Language Of Love
An Inspirational Jazz CD
Photos
Bio
AMERICA'S SONGBIRD MYRNA CLAYTON
Nothing compares to the live performances of America’s Songbird Myrna
Clayton.
Audiences around the world get up to dance when she sings, mesmerized by her soul-filled, profound musical message for all. Whether it’s Jazz, Pop, Soul, Gospel, R&B, Blues, or Country, Myrna’s entertaining and uplifting performances are unforgettable.
She has performed across the world in Germany, France, Great Britain, Nigeria, Russia, and Belarus as well as across the U.S., from New York City to New Orleans. Myrna draws audiences out to hear her sing whether it’s at theater halls, festivals, churches, outdoor amphitheaters, national/international conferences, or conventions. Many of these wonderful, diverse performances have been captured through live recordings.
America’s Songbird is a quintessential entertainer, singer/songwriter, bandleader, flutist, A&R/vocal performance coach, and studio-session singer. She is a regularly featured vocalist with the Westside Winds 24-piece “big band” Jazz orchestra. Versatile in her range of American musical genres, Myrna’s jazz singing is remarkably versatile. She is equally at ease in performing Smooth Jazz, Classical Jazz Standards, Swing, Bebop, Fusion, and Contemporary Jazz.
She has been the opening act for a wide array of top artists such as Kirk Whalum, Ruben Studdard, Alex Bugnon, Lalah Hathaway, and The Manhattans.
Background
Although greatly influenced by Ella Fitzgerald, Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Minnie Riperton, and Natalie Cole, Myrna proudly acknowledges her singing roots began in the church. Her father (minister and educator) and mother (librarian and archivist) instilled a drive within her for excellence and education.
Performing her singing debut at the age of five in her father’s church, Myrna graduated from Atlanta’s prominent Northside High School of Performing Arts, earned a BS at Alabama A&M University, and went on to achieve an MBA from Atlanta University, building a successful corporate marketing career first before launching her career as a professional American singer.
Artist-in-Residence/Teaching
America’s Songbird is also a sought-after teacher, and has helped many to develop their artistry. Myrna’s passion, professionalism, and extraordinary talent in the performing arts has recently been recognized by the Georgia Council of the Arts. The Council has given her recognition on both their prestigious “Georgia Artists” and “Georgia Teaching Artists” rosters.
Respected in the area of Artist Development, Myrna offers Master Classes in Vocal Performing Arts, including Gospel workshops, Jazz and Scatting technique workshops, Healthy Voice clinics, and clinics that specialize in entertainment for Artists and Audiences with Disabilities. Myrna has coached students ranging from ages 8 to 60. The nonprofit she started, Abel 2, presents shows and advocates for artists and audiences with disabilities and their caregiving families. Myrna believes that “if you can see at things, you can be a thing”.
This willingness to help others develop their artistry comes from Myrna’s desire to pay back a debt of gratitude - for her gift of song.
America’s Songbird Myrna Clayton is beloved for her charming and generous persona, her gifted and authentic performing artistry -- and for being a loving force for humankind.
Myrna is engaging and captivating. Not your typical singer, America's Songbird is a true entertainer!
For more information about Myrna and for bookings, email "Jay" abelrecords@gmail.com or go to www.MyrnaClayton.com
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