Reprinted from The AFL-CIO’s Now by Kenneth Quinnell on February 9, 2021.
This year, for Black History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only the conditions for working people in our community, but also across the country. Today’s profile is John Clayton.
John Clayton is a natural born multitasker. The multiple roles in which he excels—composer, arranger, conductor, producer, educator, mentor and bassist extraordinaire—garner him a number of challenging assignments and commissions. His accomplishments include a Grammy Award and eight additional nominations. He has worked with artists, including Diana Krall, Paul McCartney, Regina Carter, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Gladys Knight and Queen Latifah. He is a co-founder of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and the Clayton Brothers Quintet.
