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It might be easier to name a legendary musician who Merry Clayton has not worked with than to list the many great artists she has collaborated with, which include Ray Charles, The Rolling Stones and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

At a time when rock legends desired the depth and richness of velvety gospel voices in their music, they leaned on background vocals from Black women. Clayton, who often sat next to legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson at her father’s church, grew up to be one of those voices. 

In addition to using Jackson as a vocal muse, singer Della Reese was her godmother. Her first job was with “Splish Splash” singer Bobby Darin, and her first full-time gig was alongside Charles as a “Raelette.” The Stones‘ “Gimme Shelter” and Skynyrd‘s “Sweet Home Alabama” would also later call on Clayton’s robust vocal talent. 

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