Jefferey Clayton
Music Director
Phone:
617.335.4553 C. 508.478.2330 H.
Email:
Genre:
Steelpan directed: A Soulful Blend of Reggae, Soca and Calypso
Full Band Instrumentation:
Steelpan, Sax, Guitar, Bass, Drums
About
Raised on Cape Cod, musician, music director, and educator Jefferey Clayton founded PanNeubean Steel to share his passion for music and his Jamaican heritage. His leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment to creating positive performance experiences define the high quality and spirit of PanNeubean Steel, whose mission is to showcase the steelpan’s versatility across Caribbean, Afro-Caribbean, jazz, soul, fusion, contemporary, and classical styles.
Clayton’s musical journey began in the United States Army as a trumpet player, where he also emerged as a featured steelpan artist. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, focused on equity and inclusion, and a Master’s Degree in Music Education from the New England Conservatory of Music. A Massachusetts-certified K–12 music educator, Clayton has spent over 20 years teaching in a therapeutic middle and high school, supporting students with social and emotional challenges. After experiencing childhood hearing loss, music became his voice and creative outlet, opening doors to self-expression and opportunity.
Clayton chose the steelpan for its rich history and cultural significance. Originating in Trinidad and Tobago and first crafted from discarded oil drums, the steelpan has evolved into a professional instrument and a powerful symbol of resilience, freedom, and the triumph over social oppression.
Performances
Jefferey Clayton has performed alongside legendary calypso, reggae, and soca artists including Shadow, The Mighty Sparrow, King Barron, Iwer George, Rupee, and Denise Belfon, among others. He has also opened for internationally recognized performers such as Stephen Marley, Bruce Hornsby, Kenny Chesney, Jason Derulo, Jimmy Buffett, and the Duke Ellington Band.
As a Music Ambassador, Clayton has toured Germany and the Netherlands and performed for U.S. Presidents, Vice Presidents, Colin Powell, major professional sports teams, and at global events including World Cup matches and the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Most recently, PanNeubean Steel has been featured at the MGM Springfield opening gala and the Dana-Farber Jimmy Fund Walk, performing for audiences numbering in the millions over the years.
Music
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