Biography

"Clayton's delivery is up-close and addictive on Duke of Rural. When I'm dancing across the floor with Miss Darlene or to the bluesy Bye-Bye- Chicago, the only thing that keeps me from hitting the replay button is that I know the next track is just as good! Hey, can you drink a CD?" Nikki Mitchell

Nikki Mitchell is President of Waylon Jennings Music



"Duke of Rural is a wonderful album that grows on me each time I listen to it. It's a rich brew that's understated, but not undercooked. Everything is very tasty; nothing is superfluous. I especially like Don't Play Dominos With Angels. It's an amazing piece of work that is Dylanesque without being derivative. Snow Fell On Pawnee is my number-one favorite. It's a great song, no doubt, a really special piece. It works on so many levels, and whether it is based on a true or personal experience or not, it certainly feels that way. It's very touching and evocative. There is something I like about all the songs on Duke of Rural and I appreciate the 'consistent variety' Clayton presents in this fine collection of songs." Dan Tyler

Dan Tyler has written numerous hit songs, including 'Modern Day Romance' for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, 'The Light in Your Eyes' for Leann Rimes, 'Twenty Years Ago' for Kenny Rogers and 'Bobby-Sue' for the Oak Ridge Boys.



"Duke of Rural is the perfect road-trip CD!" David Mead

David Mead is a singer/songwriter from Nashville who has toured the USA, Japan, UK and Ireland with Joe Jackson, Ron Sexsmith, Fountains of Wayne and John Mayer. His recordings include Luxury of Time, Mine and Yours, Indiana, Wherever You Are and Tangerine/


Bio


Clayton Laurence Cheek has worked in the Arts for more than thirty-five years as an Actor, Art Director, Designer, Writer, Musician, Singer, Songwriter and Guitarist. As an actor he has appeared in numerous films and music videos and in dozens of stage plays. He was a Classical Music Announcer on PBS for eleven years and his many character voices have been heard in countless commercials for radio and television. Clayton's complete resume is available upon request

Duke of Rural is Clayton's newly released recording of eleven original songs. It was recorded in Nashville and features many of Music City's finest session players and backup singers. Duke of Rural are now available for purchase online at Glyptodont Music. Duke of Rural is also available at Candyman Music in Santa Fe and other independent music stores. In January 2007, "Duke of Rural" will be available at CD-Baby, i-Tunes and other single-song download sites.

"Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Ya-Ya." Clayton's new thirteen-song music project, is now being recorded at the new Glyptodont Studio in Santa Fe.

Clayton's highly-acclaimed book of fiction, The Journals of Emlyn Harness, sold out its first printing in the hardback edition and is scheduled to be reprinted in trade paperback edition to coincide with the 2007 publication of the second book in the series, The Journals of Emlyn Harness: In the Wake of Dreaming. Clayton is now writing the third book, The Journals of Emlyn Harness: The Secret of the Nine Elixirs."

Clayton lived in Nashville for several years and has traveled extensively in the United States and internationally. He currently resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico where he writes, records and occasionally performs music. Clayton also draws and paints, designs and builds furniture, grows tomatoes and enjoys a more peaceful life.