Jesse Dayton has been globetrotting since his teen years, playing his unique style of country infused American music. His professional journey began with his rockabilly trio, The Road Kings, then onto his solo projects with the signing to Texas-based independent label Justice Records. On the strength of a number of positive reviews and a number one Americana ranking for his solo debut, Raisin’ Cain (1995), Jesse was hired for live and studio work by country luminaries Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Bush and Ray Price.

Sensing a shift in the music business climate, Jesse formed his own label in 2002, Stag Records, and began his most prolific recording period. Stag was established with the re-issue of Tall Texas Tales, which he calls his “singer/songwriter record.” It was quickly followed by the release of Hey Nashvegas, where he shared a Nashville studio with The Dixie Chicks, Jim Lauderdale, and Floyd Domino. This would be his closest brush with “Nashville Country,” and it was back to Texas from there. His next release was recorded in Austin, and was supported by some of the best musicians the music-centric city has to offer, and the beginning of his good as gold partnership with ace engineer Steve Chadie (Willie Nelson, Sublime). Country Soul Brother, is an effective distillation of honky-tonk, rockabilly, soul and folk and even includes an unlikely cover version of the Cars' "Just What I Needed".

From there, rocker Rob Zombie came calling, and requested Jesse compile a full length record for the fictitious country duo Banjo & Sullivan, from his horror epic The Devil’s Rejects. The result was the faux ‘Greatest Hits’ album Banjo & Sullivan: The Ultimate Collection 1972-1978, which includes what has become a Dayton classic, "I'm Home Getting Hammered While She's Out Getting Nailed." Jesse’s, South Austin Sessions, released in 2006, draws a nod to some of his influences including Townes Van Zandt, Waylon Jennings, Jim Lauderdale and ZZ Top.

In 2007, at a chance backstage meeting in France, Jesse was introduced to the ‘Hillbilly Princess,’ Brennen Leigh. After a run through a few duet classics from George and Tammy and Johnny and June, the duo began work on what would become, Holdin’ Our Own (And Other Country Gold Duets.) It contains mostly Dayton & Leigh originals, with a few classic duet standards to drive the vintage sound home.

The next year, Rob Zombie was constructing the ultimate Halloween party for a pivotal scene while directing Halloween 2. He needed the perfect horror band, so he called Jesse again. Zombie told him he wanted a sound that was “Buck Owens meets Iggy, and let’s make it girl crazy.” They decided the band should be called ‘Captain Clegg And The Night Creatures’, and Jesse was off and running. Rob Zombie Presents Captain Clegg And The Night Creatures, was released in 2009. The sound is Johnny Horton jammin’ with the Sonics. Jesse took his latest alter ego on a 40-city tour opening Rob Zombie’s Hillbilly Deluxe 2 tour. Not only did Jesse create the sound of Captain Clegg, but also brought him to life on the big screen in Halloween 2. Jesse got bit by the acting bug and was quickly cast as drug lord Reverend Roy in the indie thriller, The Sinner. He's also been inspired to write a screenplay based upon a 'pharmaceutical-conspiracy-theory-zombie-slash-up,' titled Zombex, to begin filming in March 2011.

Between set calls, and writing sessions, Jesse manages to continue playing and creating music. His latest release, One For The Dance Halls was inspired by some of the greats…Ernest Tubb & The Texas Troubadours, Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys, Willie Nelson & The Family Band, George Strait and the Ace In The Hole Band. All of them have something in common; they all played regular shows at the legendary dance hall, the Broken Spoke in Austin, TX, which is what Jesse Dayton has been doing for years, when not out touring the world with his band. Dance Halls also draws inspiration from a core group of Austin dancers, who Jesse aptly named the “Solid Chrome Dancers.” He says, “I knew if I could come up with some new material that they loved, I'd be on my way to making a legendary country record that might stand the test of time.” After rockin’ out with Captain Clegg & The Night Creatures, Jesse was ready to uncover the roots of country dance tunes, and bring them to light.

Once more becoming a chameleon, Jesse added Producer to the long list of hats he wears. He owns the credit on many recordings from other artists, including most recently Mike Stinson’s critically acclaimed, The Jukebox In Your Heart, and Michael Des Barres’ soul-inspired, Frontman.

On the horizon for Mr. Dayton is portraying legendary political satirist and novelist Kinky Friedman in the stage production, Becoming Kinky: The World According to Kinky Friedman. Written by New York author Ted Swindley, whose credits include the long-running musical Always ... Patsy Cline, Jesse was cast immediately after his first audition. Becoming Kinky will debut in late March 2011 at McGonigel's Mucky Duck in Houston, TX. This will certainly open a whole new chapter in the career of such a prolific artist. Stay tuned.

Contact: Erika Pinktipps 512-344-9546