Clay Hammond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clay Hammond
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| Birth name | Clayton Hammond Jr. |
| Born | June 21, 1936 Groesbeck, Texas, United States |
| Died | February 4, 2011 (aged 74) Houston, Texas, United States |
| Genres | R&B, soul |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1956–2011 |
| Labels | Tag, Galaxy, Duo-Disc, Liberty, Keyman, Kent, Ronn, Mercury, Raushan, Versepto, Evejim, Hit Parade, White Ent. |
| Associated acts | Little Johnny Taylor |
Clay Hammond (June 21, 1936 – February 4, 2011) was an American singer and songwriter. He was known for his Rhythm and Blues (R&B) and soul music. Besides singing his own songs, he famously wrote "Part Time Love". This song became a number one hit on the R&B chart in 1963 for Little Johnny Taylor.
Contents
Who Was Clay Hammond?
Clay Hammond was a talented musician from Texas. He made a big impact on R&B and soul music. He wrote songs and sang for many years.
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Clayton Hammond Jr. was born in Groesbeck, Texas. In 1956, he helped start a gospel music group. This group was called The Mighty Clouds of Joy. They formed in Los Angeles with Little Johnny Taylor and others.
Clay's younger brother, Walter Hammond, also became a singer. Walter joined a famous vocal group called The Olympics. Clay Hammond made his first recording in 1959. He then formed a trio called The Three Friends. They recorded songs in 1961. Clay also recorded music with his brother Walter as the Hammond Brothers.
His Big Hit Song
In 1963, Clay Hammond wrote a very successful song. It was called "Part Time Love." Little Johnny Taylor recorded this song. It quickly became a huge hit. The song reached the top of the Billboard R&B chart. It also reached number 19 on the pop chart.
Clay continued to write many more songs. He also recorded singles for different record labels. In 1966, he joined Kent Records. His songs for Kent, like "I'll Make It Up To You," are very popular. These songs mixed Southern soul, gospel, and blues styles.
Later Career and Albums
After leaving Kent Records in 1969, Clay Hammond released more singles. In 1981, he joined the doo-wop group The Rivingtons. He became their lead singer. He also spent some time singing with a version of The Drifters.
Clay kept recording as a solo singer into the 1990s. He released several albums. These included Come Into These Arms Of Love (1981) and Streets Will Love You (1983). His recordings for Kent Records were later released on CD.
In 2000, he performed at a blues festival in the Netherlands. He also sang at the Sweet Soul Festival in Porretta, Italy, in 2001 and 2010.
A Legacy in Music
Clay Hammond passed away in Houston, Texas, in 2011. He was 74 years old. He left behind a legacy of great R&B and soul music. His songs continue to be enjoyed by many fans.
