Darrell, grew up in Treasure Island Florida and started playing Music in local night clubs in Tampa Bay at the age of 15. He worked full time in the central west coast area as a professional musician until he moved to Nashville in 1978. He was 22 years old. Upon arriving in Music City Darrell met his mentors, songwriter Chuck Howard and the great studio musician Pete Drake. Drake signed the young Clanton to a five year staff writing contract where he enjoyed a great deal of success as a staff songwriter.
During his time with Pete Drake's (Window Music Publishing Company) Darrell Clanton's songs were recorded by such artists as B.J. Thomas, Bobby Vinton, Grand Ole Opry member Jean Shepard, The Wilburn Brothers and Country Music Hall of Fame Member Charlie Louvin.
It was in 1984 when things began to really change for Darrell Clanton. He was signed to a recording contract with Warner Brothers Records and his recording of (Lonesome 7-7203) began to climb the charts. This recording reached the Top 20 in the U.S. and # 1 in Australia and New Zeland by January of 1984. Darrell Clanton was nominated by the Academy of Country Music for (New Male Vocalist of the Year) in April.
With the Academy nomination, Darrell was asked to sing on the stage of the world famous WSM - Grand Ole Opry on three occasions, that same year. Darrell was then booked to open for Lynn Anderson and Hank Williams Jr. He was on tour for 2 years in 1985 and 1986.
After being on the road throughout the 1980's Darrell spent his time in the 1990's working as a producer in the Film and Video business in Nashville. However after a time, Darrell's interest again turned to songwriting and in 1996 Darrell was signed as a staff songwriter with the Nashville office of Global Music. The Global Music Company, owned by rock/pop artist (Sting) was operated by well knowen music publisher (Torkquil Crevey) and Darrell spent 2 years on the roster as a staff songwriter with the Global Company.
In 2003 Darrell Clanton along with his wife Debbie decided to return to Florida. Upon his arrival in the Tampa Bay area he settled into a small home in North West Largo. Darrell began playing his music in the many local Tiki Bars and Beach Hotels in St. Petersburg and Clearwater. After being home in Tampa Bay for a few months Darrell ran into an old friend from Largo that he had worked with back in the 1970's. His name is, Ben Rodgers. Ben, himself a musician and award winning recording engineer had returned to Largo a few years earlier from Los Angeles.
It is the teaming of these two old friends that has brought together a brand new CD. Along with his friends Curtis Johnson, Pete Gordon and Chuck Cobb, Darrell Clanton has created a 10 song collection called "SOME PLACE SUNNY" that was Released, June 29th of 2005 on Splattermouth Records.
