As a teen, Hall put together a band called the Kentucky Travelers that performed before movies for a travelling theater. During a stint in the Army, Hall performed over the Armed Forces Radio Network and wrote comic songs about Army experiences. His early career included being a radio announcer at WRON, a local radio station in Ronceverte, West Virginia.
Hall's big break came in 1963 when singer Jimmy C. Newman recorded his song "DJ For a Day." In 1964 Hall moved to Nashville, TN, and within months had songs climbing the charts. Nicknamed "The Story Teller", he has written songs for dozens of country stars such as Johnny Cash, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Waylon Jennings, and Alan Jackson.
One of the most popular songs, "Harper Valley PTA", was originally recorded in 1968 by Jeannie C. Riley, sold over six million copies, and won both a Grammy and CMA award. The song later would inspire the motion picture and television program of the same name.
Hall's own recording career took off after that and he had such hits as "A Week in the Country Jail," "Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine," "I Love," "Country Is", "The Year Clayton Delaney Died," "The Old Side of Town," and "I Like Beer." He was also noted for his children's songs, the most popular being "Sneaky Snake".
He also hosted the syndicated country music TV show Pop Goes the Country.
His son, Dean Hall, is also a singer and is member of the MuzikMafia.
A hard-rock adaptation of his song I love was featured in a series of successful television commercials for Coors beer.
Hall largely retired from writing new material in 1986 and from performing in 1994; his final public performance, which was also his first in several years, was in 2011.
Discography
Singles Written and Performed By Tom T. Hall
* "I Washed My Face in the Morning Dew" (#30, 1967)
* "Ain't Got The Time" (#68, 1968)
* "The World The Way I Want It" (#66, 1968)
* "Ballad of Forty Dollars" (#4, 1969)
* "Homecoming" (#5, 1969)
* "Strawberry Farms" (#40, 1969)
* "Day Drinkin'" (#23, 1970)
* "Salute to a Switchblade" (#8, 1970)
* "Shoeshine Man" (#8, 1970)
* "A Week in a Country Jail" (#1, 1970)
* "Ode to Half a Pound of Ground Round" (#21, 1971)
* "One Hundred Children" (#14, 1971)
* "The Year That Clayton Delaney Died" (#1, 1971) (also reached #42 on the Pop Singles Chart)
* "Me and Jesus" (#8, 1972) (also reached #92 on the Pop Chart)
* "More About John Henry" (#26, 1972)
* "The Monkey That Became President" (#11, 1972)
* "Old Dogs, Children, And Watermelon Wine" (#1, 1973)
* "Ravishing Ruby" (#3, 1973)
* "Spokane Motel Blues" (#16, 1973)
* "Watergate Blues" (#16, 1973)
* "Country Is" (#1, 1974)
* "I Love" (#1, 1974) (also reached #2 on the Adult Contemporary Chart and #12 on the Pop Singles Chart)
* "Sneaky Snake" (#69, 1974) (reached #55 on the Pop Singles Chart the following year)
* "That Song Is Driving Me Crazy" (#2, 1974) (also reached #63 on the Pop Singles Chart)
* "Deal" (#8, 1975)
* "I Care" (#1, 1975)
* "I Like Beer" (#4, 1975)
* "Faster Horses (The Cowboy And The Poet)" (#1, 1976)
* "Fox On The Run" (#9, 1976)
* "Negatory Romance" (#24, 1976)
* "It's All in the Game" (#12, 1977)
* "Your Man Loves You, Honey" (#4, 1977)
* "What Have You Got to Lose" (#9, 1978)
* "Son of Clayton Delaney" (#14, 1979)
* "You Show Me Your Heart (And I'll Show You Mine)" (#11, 1979)
* "Back When Gas Was Thirty Cents a Gallon" (#36, 1980)
* "Jesus On the Radio (Daddy On the Phone)" (#9, 1980)
* "Solder Of Fortune" (#51, 1980)
* "The Old Side of Town" (#9, 1980)
* "Everything From Jesus To Jack Daniels (#42, 1983)
* "P.S. I Love You" (#8, 1984)
* "A Bar with No Beer" (#40, 1985)
* "Down At The Mall" (#65, 1986)
Singles Written By Tom T. Hall But Performed By Other Artists
* "Mad" performed by Dave Dudley (#6, 1964)
* "Artificial Rose" performed by Jimmy C. Newman (#8, 1965)
* "Back In Circulation" performed by Jimmy C. Newman (#13, 1965)
* "City of the Angels" performed by Jimmy C. Newman (#37, 1965)
* "What We're Fighting For" performed by Dave Dudley (#4, 1966)
* "Back Pocket Money" performed by Jimmy C. Newman (#10, 1966)
* "California Uptight Band" performed by Flatt & Scruggs (#20, 1967)
* "Dropping Out of Sight" performed by Jimmy C. Newman (#32, 1967)
* "Louisiana Saturday Night" performed by Jimmy C. Newman (#24, 1967)
* "Town That Broke My Heart" performed by Bobby Bare (#16, 1968)
* "Anything Leaving Town Today" performed by Dave Dudley (#12, 1968)
* "There Ain't No Easy Run" performed by Dave Dudley (#10, 1968)
* "Harper Valley PTA" performed by Jeannie C. Riley (#1, 1968) (also reached #1 on the Pop Singles Chart and #4 on the Adult Contemporary Chart)
* "Greenwich Village Folk Song Salesman" performed by Jim & Jesse (#49, 1968)
* "(Margie's At) The Lincoln Park Inn" performed by Bobby Bare (#4, 1969)
* "George (And the Northwoods)" performed by Dave Dudley (#10, 1969)
* "One More Mile" performed by Dave Dudley (#12, 1969)
* "Boo Dan" peroformed by Jimmy C. Newman (#31, 1969)
* "That's How I Got To Memphis" performed by Bobby Bare (#3, 1970)
* "Pool Shark" performed by Dave Dudley (#1, 1970)
* "If I Ever Fall in Love (With a Honky Tonk Girl)" performed by Faron Young (#4, 1970)
* "Second Handed Flowers" performed by George Jones (#5, 1972)
* "You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me)" performed by Johnny Rodriguez (#1, 1973) (also #86 on the Pop Singles Chart)
* "I Can Still Hear the Music in the Restroom" performed by Jerry Lee Lewis (#13, 1975)
* "I'm Not Ready Yet" performed by George Jones (#2, 1980)
* "Dropping Out Of Sight" performed by Bobby Bare (#35, 1981)
* "Little Bitty" performed by Alan Jackson (#1, 1996)
* "That's How I Got To Memphis" performed by Deryl Dodd (#36, 1996)
The Year That Clayton Delaney Died
Tom T. Hall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They said for the last two weeks that he suffered and cried
It made a big impression on me although I was a barefoot kid
They said he got religion at the end and I'm glad that he did
Clayton was the best guitar picker in our town
I thought he was a hero and I used to follow Clayton around
I often wondered why Clayton who seemed so good to me
Never took his guitar and made it down in Tennessee
Daddy said he drank a lot but I could never understand
I knew he used to picked up in Ohio with a five piece band
Clayton used to tell me son you better put that old guitar away
There ain't no money in it it'll lead you to an early gray
I guess if I'd admit it Clayton taught me how to drink booze
I can see him half stoned pickin` up the Lovesick Blues
When Clayton died I made him a promise I was gonna carry on somehow
I'd give a hundred dollars if he could only see me now
I remember the year that Clayton Delaney died
Nobody ever knew it but I went out in the woods and I cried
Well I know there's a lotta big preachers that know a lot more than I do
But it could be that the good Lord likes a little picking too
Yeah I remember the year that Clayton Delaney died
Tom T. Hall's "Year That Clayton Delaney Died" tells the story of the death of a local legend in a small town. The song is personal in nature and Hall's lyrics are a reflection on the impact that Clayton Delaney had on his life. The song is told from the perspective of Hall as a child, who was enamored with Delaney's talent as a guitar player. The narrative focuses on the reasons behind Delaney's death and the lessons that can be learned from his life.
Delaney was a well-respected figure in Hall's hometown, and his death had a profound impact on the community, particularly the young musicians who admired him. Delaney's last days were spent in immense suffering, and his newfound religion gave him solace in those final moments. Hall's lyrics reflect on the way the people of his town remembered Clayton, particularly his talent as a guitar player.
The song touches on several themes, including the dangers of alcohol use and the idea that even small-town legends can leave a lasting impact on the world. "Year That Clayton Delaney Died" is a poignant reminder that our lives, however brief, can have a profound impact on those around us.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I remember the year that Clayton Delaney died
I can recall the year Clayton Delaney passed away.
They said for the last two weeks that he suffered and cried
People said he suffered and cried for two weeks before he died.
It made a big impression on me although I was a barefoot kid
His death had a significant impact on me, even as a young and inexperienced child.
They said he got religion at the end and I'm glad that he did
I am happy to hear that Clayton found religion before he passed away, according to what people said.
Clayton was the best guitar picker in our town
In our community, Clayton was acknowledged as the finest guitar player.
I thought he was a hero and I used to follow Clayton around
I used to idolize him and would trail after him sometimes.
I often wondered why Clayton who seemed so good to me
I always questioned why Clayton, who appeared great in my eyes, never made it big in music.
Never took his guitar and made it down in Tennessee
He never pursued a career in music in Tennessee.
Daddy said he drank a lot but I could never understand
My father told me Clayton had a drinking problem, but I couldn't comprehend it.
I knew he used to picked up in Ohio with a five piece band
I knew he used to perform in Ohio with a band of five people.
Clayton used to tell me son you better put that old guitar away
Clayton advised me to stop playing my guitar, stating there was no money in it.
There ain't no money in it it'll lead you to an early gray
He said playing guitar would not bring any wealth and would cause me to have gray hair sooner than expected.
I guess if I'd admit it Clayton taught me how to drink booze
To be honest, Clayton was the one who taught me how to drink alcohol.
I can see him half stoned pickin` up the Lovesick Blues
I can envision Clayton slightly inebriated playing the song 'Lovesick Blues.'
When Clayton died I made him a promise I was gonna carry on somehow
After Clayton died, I promised him that I would continue living and thriving.
I'd give a hundred dollars if he could only see me now
I would love for Clayton to witness my life today, and I would pay a generous sum for that opportunity.
Nobody ever knew it but I went out in the woods and I cried
I have never shared this before, but I went out to the woods to cry on my own after Clayton passed away.
Well I know there's a lotta big preachers that know a lot more than I do
I acknowledge that there are many knowledgeable preachers who surpass me in many ways.
But it could be that the good Lord likes a little picking too
It's possible that the Lord enjoys some good guitar playing as well.
Yeah I remember the year that Clayton Delaney died
Yes, I still recall the year Clayton Delaney passed away.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TOM T. HALL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@waynepolk4179
Decades ago I was Black kid in DC who mainly liked R&B and Motown when I heard this in the radio while flipping through channels.. It made an unforgettable impression on me because it laid out a whole story! This is an amazing song!
@uronthehill
Thanks for stoppin' by Wayne. 🤠
Mikey Thompson
@tonys9102
Somewhat similar to my story. I'm an Italian who grew up in NYC where we didn't even have a country station. But great music transcends culture and when I heard Tom T. it stopped me in my tracks.
@Fontenotcjf
In the 1970's I was a white kid and I liked some of Tom T. Hall's music.....
@alkenny7074
He was always known as a the Great Story Teller! :)
@jodycarter2271
I really appreciate that you sir like this music because when I was a kid growing up with my Grandfather this is the kind of music I heard a lot it's in my heart forever I'm 52 now when I was going to school black kids would laugh at my taste in music so it's very nice to hear that a gentleman such as yourself likes this I appreciate that ❤️👍👍🙏
@annemott1193
The man Hall identified as “Clayton Delaney” in “The Year That Clayton Delaney Died” was his neighbor and childhood hero. To stay active in music, Tom’s friend had moved to Ohio and Indiana to work clubs while he was still a teenager. He was doing pretty well but he got sick and was forced to come home. He died when he was about nineteen or twenty (of an undiagnosed lung disease), but a lot of people thought the song was about an old man.
The man who inspired “The Year That Clayton Delaney Died” was not really named Clayton Delaney at all. His real name was Lonnie Easterly. Tom T. Hall had veiled the late guitar picker’s legacy by using two street names in the song. Lonnie (“Clayton Delaney”) had impacted Tom in a very strong way. Hall didn’t just write the line “I remember the year that Clayton Delaney died,” he lived it. Tom was eight or nine and had just been given an old Martin guitar when he first met Easterly, who was already in his teens. Tom was impressed with Lonnie’s guitar picking, but what impressed him most was the older boy’s great independence and style.
Easterly would take the hit records of the day (tunes by Red Foley, Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams, etc.) and sing them in his own style. He didn’t imitate anyone, he just tried to be himself. That was one of the most valuable lessons Hall learned from him. So much so that, after Easterly passed away, Tom vowed to start singing like himself too, and not try to copy anybody. Like “Clayton Delaney,” Hall did everything he could to be true to himself and his own feel for music, not just in his singing but in his songwriting as well. Easterly had played regularly at the Buckeye Gardens in Connersville, Indiana, and when Tom resumed performing after his Army service was over, he started at that same club. On September 18, 1971, twenty-three years after Tom’s mentor and idol had passed away, “The Year That Clayton Delaney Died” topped Billboard’s country singles chart for two weeks. It not only gave Hall his biggest hit and his personally highest artistic achievement, but also provided him with some undesired commercial success too, which Tom discovered could be lived with easily.
Lonnie Easterly, the man immortalized as “Clayton Delaney” probably died of tuberculosis, his death slow and painful and he passed away without ever fulfilling his dreams. Yet, his legacy lived on in another young man whom he inspired. Tom T. Hall took the most important lesson Easterly taught him to heart, and became an influential songwriter and performer because he sought his own way of expressing his music. In a sense, both Tom and Lonnie made it to the warm spotlight at the same time. That seems appropriate, because Hall always said that it was “Clayton Delaney” who had bought his ticket for the big show.
@bubbalong7646
Thank you very much, Ms Mott for telling us that! It makes me appreciate that song even more. Best wishes and Semper Fi!
@steveendicott1855
I knew there was a real Clayton Delaney but never really heard much about him except he died young 18 I heard . Thanks for this
RIP to another Country Legend!
@doitnowvideosyeah5841
Thank you so much. I always thought it was about an older man.