Merry Clayton

Best known for singing on the Rolling Stones' classic song "Gimme Shelter," Merry Clayton is a powerful gospel-influenced vocalist who's had a long and successful career as backup singer, solo artist, and actress. A member of Ray Charles' Raelettes in the '60s, Clayton rose to fame singing backup on the Stones' 1969 anti-war anthem "Gimme Shelter," which she covered for her 1971 debut album, Gimme Shelter. Her career also found her singing for Carole King, Linda Ronstadt, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and many more. In addition, she sang in a gospel group with Della Reese and acted, appearing in film and on TV. Following her appearance in the Oscar-winning 2013 documentary 20 Feet from Stardom, Clayton was involved in a car accident that resulted in the amputation of her legs. Ever resilient, she recovered and in 2021 completed her return to the spotlight with the ebullient studio album Beautiful Scars.