David Clayton-Thomas

Inducted in 1996

David Clayton-Thomas began his journey to stardom as a homeless street kid and developed into one of the most recognizable voices in music.

Clayton-Thomas ran away from an abusive home as a teenager and split his time between living on the streets and in jail, where he taught himself to play guitar on an instrument left behind by a fellow inmate.

Career Highlights

2010

Receives star on Canada’s Walk of Fame

2007

“Spinning Wheel” is enshrined in 2007 Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.

1996

Is inducted into Canadian Music Hall of Fame

1969

Los Angeles Times proclaims: “Blood Sweat & Tears just may be the most important pop music group of the decade.”

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1968

Blood Sweat & Tears’ 1968 album tops Billboard album chart for seven weeks; charts for 109 weeks.

Video Background

Videos

Quick Fact

His maternal grandfather is performer Harry Bryan Smith.