Turner Layton (1894-1978) is remembered both as a successful performer (with Clarence ‘Tandy’ Johnstone) and occasional songwriter, whose ‘After You’ve Gone’, has been recorded hundreds of times since its composition in 1918.
He was born in Washington DC into a musical family. He originally studied to become a dentist, but after his father died there was not enough money to allow Layton to finish his studies. The family moved to New York, where Layton worked as a singer-pianist, and began writing songs, teaming up from 1917 with lyricist Henry Creamer. Success came quickly, as Marion Harris’ recording of ‘After You’ve Gone’ was one of the best selling records of 1919.
From 1922 Layton began to work with singer Clarence Johnstone and the duo become popular with New York’s high society. Layton and Johnston played at parties hosted by the Vanderbilts and Astors, and decided to try their luck in London on the recommendation of Lord and Lady Mountbatten. Arriving in 1924, the duo were signed by Columbia Records following an appearance at Cafe De Paris, and they became toasts of London society. They recorded hundreds of tracks for Columbia, selling millions of records, and were regulars on the BBC and in musical halls throughout the UK, and in clubs in France and Germany.
The duo dissolved their partnership in 1936, with Johnstone returning to USA, while Layton remained a popular performer in the UK until retiring in the late 1950s.
Key Works:
After You’ve Gone
Dear Old Southland
Everybody’s Crazy ‘Bout the Doggone Blues
Way Down Yonder In New Orleans