Merry Clayton

Merry Clayton

Merry Clayton (born December 25, 1948 in Gert Town, New Orleans, Louisiana) is an American gospel singer. She provided a number of back-up vocal tracks to songs recorded by major performing artists during the 1960s. Her first name was given because she was born on Christmas day. She was married to jazz artist Curtis Amy until his death in 2002.

She dueted with Mick Jagger on The Rolling Stones' song "Gimme Shelter" on their Let It Bleed release. Reportedly, the intensity of her performance on the song caused her to miscarry.[1] Clayton also sang backing vocals on Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama".[2] Early in her career, Clayton sang backup vocals for Tom Jones, Ray Charles, Joe Cocker and Carole King. She also originated the role of the Acid Queen in the original 1972 London production of The Who's Tommy. More recently, Clayton has provided background vocals for Sparta's latest album Threes on the songs "Atlas" and "Translation". As an actress, she co-starred with Ally Sheedy in the 1987 film Maid to Order, and played Verna Dee Jordan in the final season of Cagney & Lacey.

Merry also sang the song "Yes" that was in the 1987 film Dirty Dancing and also featured on the soundtrack album.