Born and raised in Pikeville, Kentucky, John Clay started into a life of music as a youngster, playing anything handed to him. His dad spent his days mining coal in Kentucky and West Virginia, but evenings instilling his love of music into Clay. Like many Appalachians, Clay spent years bouncing from job to job, trying to find his place in the world. He collected stories of love and loss, a clever sense of humor and a knack for telling a good story. He started writing them down and released his first EP "Now It's Time" in 2016. He spent the next few years traveling behind a drum kit with “The Jesus of Jeffersonville” Nick Dittmeier and the young Canadian country western singer, Colter Wall. John is currently focusing more on his solo career. He released a full length tribute record honoring the great Blaze Foley in 2020 and looks forward to releasing more original tunes in this new year. You can also often catch him backing up several must-hear regional acts as a drummer and general jack of all trades. Catch him on the road with Chelsea Nolan, John R. Miller, and Coby Langham - share a song and a laugh. You’ll be glad you made the drive, every time.