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Darrell Clanton, The Dune Doctor, as he is
known by most of his friends, considers himself one of the most
fortunate people to ever play music. Clanton grew up in the north
Clearwater area and starting playing music for a living when he was
only 15 years old. Clanton played local clubs in the area during
the early 70s. Places like Don Dee’s in Dunedin and the Stage
Stop in Clearwater, just to name a few.
It was in 1978 however that things for the
Dune Doctor took quite a turn. Clanton met songwriter Chuck Howard
and producer Pete Drake. It was through his association with these
country music legends that Clanton decided to move to Nashville to
pursue his dreams of becoming a songwriter. Little did he know what
great things lay in store. In 1980 Clanton’s song
“Unblind Yourself” was recorded by Grammy winning
artist B.J. Thomas for CBS records. His song “The Best
Mistake I Ever Made” was recorded by Country Music Hall of
Fame member Charlie Louvin.
During his time in Nashville five of
Clanton’s compositions were recorded and released by members
of the world famous Grand Ole Opry, including Stonewall Jackson,
Jean Shepard, Ray Pillow, The Wilburn Brothers and Pop Music legend
Bobby Vinton.
With his songwriting career well under
way, it was in 1983 that Clanton really got his first taste of
success. Producer Jim Ed Norman signed him to Warner Brothers
records where he recorded the classic hit “Lonesome
7-7203.”
Clanton’s release of that song was
one of the biggest hits of the year, reaching the Top 10 in the
U.S. and making it to number one in Canada and Australia. This was
truly a worldwide hit for the young Clearwater native, a dream come
true. Clanton was asked to perform on the stage of the world famous
grand Ole Opry three times that year and in January of 1984 Clanton
was nominated New Male Vocalist of the year by the Academy of
Country Music.
After spending 6 years on the road
touring, Clanton returned to Florida. Settling in Clearwater with
his wife Debbie, the Dune Doctor began to play in the local hotels
and tiki bars along the bay area beaches.
A major fan of Jimmy Buffet and a long
time parrot head himself, Clanton’s second life long dream
was about to come true. He met and began working with Connie
Church, leader of the local show group the De Lei’ed
Parrots.
The De Lei’ed Parrots are one of the
most popular beach bands on the west cost of Florida and the
addition of the Dune Doctor was a match made in heaven. Things
really began to click for the group.
In the fall of 2006 the De Lei’ed
Parrots were asked to play at both the Iron Man Concert and the Out
Back Bowl Beach Day. Then it happened. The group was booked to open
for Jimmy Buffet at the Ford Ampitheater in Tampa, where they
played to a sold out crowd.
When asked about this chain of events
Clanton said “It is more than I had ever hoped for. After
all, I am just a guy from Clearwater. How lucky am I to be
me!”
Clanton currently is working on a new
album due out in October on Splattermouth Records. For more
information see: www.thedunedoctor.com.
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