Academy Member: Jeff Dayton
Nashville artist Jeff Dayton’s career is a success story built on hard work, faith and professionalism. From his 15 years as bandleader and guitarist with Hall of Fame legend Glen Campbell to his tours on guitar with Lee Greenwood and megastar Kenny Chesney, Jeff has kept the same upbeat gratitude and energy he’s had since his early days in club bands. He’s played shows on guitar with Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Tanya Tucker, Toby Keith, Buck Owens and Bo Diddley to name a few of the greats.
Jeff was born and raised in rural Minnesota and grew up influenced by his mom’s diverse record collection of Johnny Cash, Roger Miller, Kingston Trio plus, Dixieland, Caribbean and calypso styles. It wasn’t long before he discovered his own love for guitar greats Eric Clapton, Jerry Reed, Jimi Hendrix and naturally, Glen Campbell plus bands like the Byrds, Moody Blues and Allman Brothers. He still credits his Twin Cities time working with Dizzy Gillespie, Thad Jones and sidemen from Bob Dylan and Prince for giving him a deep sense of the value of “the groove.”
Next up was his move to Arizona and his Jeff Dayton Band years where he built a major following, had a regional #1 hit, a Best of The Decade’s Best Award and opened shows for dozens of major tours that came thru Phoenix. It was at one of those shows with Merle Haggard, the Judds and Alabama that he met Glen Campbell who had been listening to his band’s set. The very next night, Jeff was playing a Jack Nicklaus grand opening and there was Glen again. After an impromptu jam session that delighted the VIP crowd, Jeff got the phone call that would change his career forever.
Jeff’s move to Nashville in 2000 opened the door to writing with the cream of Music City’s phenomenal creative community. He’s had songs recorded by George Strait, Doug Stone, Sarah Darling and used on “The Voice” and “Hawaii Five-O.” His producing credits include rising artists who have become hit writers and major label stars like Matt Stell (Sony) and established stars like Buck Owens, Glen Campbell, The Kingston Trio and more.
After the passing of his mentor, Jeff got so many requests for a show of Glen Campbell’s music that he launched “Salute to Glen Campbell,” an intimate, upbeat presentation of his hits and the first-person stories of their years together. 2019 was their busiest year yet filled with sell-out crowds and national tours.