Wilbur “Buck” Clayton Collection

A seminal figure in the evolution of jazz, Wilbur "Buck" Clayton distinguished himself as an arranger, composer, trumpeter and band leader. He first rose to national fame as the lead soloist with the first great Count Basie band that roared out of Kansas City in late fall 1936. Ironically, while Clayton's understated, bell-like sound is associated with the hard swinging Kansas City style, he actually spent little time in Kansas City. By the time he arrived at the famed Reno Club, a small dive on 12th Street in Kansas City, Clayton had already led a colorful career as a band leader, ranging from Los Angeles to Shanghai.

Presented here are over 1500 photographs from the collection, spanning Clayton’s life and career from 1928-1991. In addition to portraits of Clayton and other musicians, the photographs document musical performances, tours and venues, and Clayton’s experience as a music educator. Also included are family photos as well as images from his travels and social life.

The Wilbur “Buck” Clayton Collection is housed in the LaBudde Special Collections Department of the Miller Nichols Library at the University of Missouri – Kansas City. For more information about the collection visit: http://library.umkc.edu/spec-col-collections/clayton