Buck Clayton was born in Parsons, Kansas on November 12, 1911 to Simeon and Aritha Clayton. The Claytons' had two daughters, Jean and Margery. The family home was at 2313 Grand.

It was apparent at a very early age that Buck was musically inclined. His mother, an accomplished pianist and organist and founder of the first beauty shop in Parsons, started him on the piano at age 6. He studied and played the piano until the age of 15, when his father bought him a trumpet. Simeon Clayton was a songwriter and a poet and an accomplished musician. He felt that the trumpet was the right instrument for Buck to take through life.

At the age of 18, Buck began his career playing his trumpet in various bands in California. Later, he moved to Shanghai with a band of his own. Returning to the States, he joined the Count Basie Orchestra as leading soloist and arranger. He recorded with famous jazz singer Billy Holiday and other top stars. He also appeared in the film, "The Benny Goodman Story." Buck traveled and play throughout Europe.

Throughout his long and successful career, Buck Clayton was considered one of the best musicians in the jazz world. Not only for his ability as a trumpeter, but as a songwriter and arranger.