ABSTRACT
American big band leader, composer, and arranger, born in Brooklyn. He was most prolific in his twenties, as a prominent arranger for Isham Jones, the Casa Loma Orchestra, both the Dorsey bands, Bunny Berigan, and others. An example of his distinguished arrangements is “I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls,” and “Martha”—a record made with his own orchestra, which he established in 1937 (Victor 25789; 1938); the vocalist, Bea Wain, was a great asset to his group. She also sang on Clinton’s most acclaimed record, “Deep Purple” (Victor 26141; 1939). Clinton’s most popular compositions were “Dipsy Doodle” (1937), “My Reverie” (sung by Wain on Victor 26006; 1938), and “Our Love” (1939). Clinton saw military service, and when he returned the dance band style was losing public appeal; he did not regain his pre-war popularity. Later he worked with Kapp Records as A&R man. He died in Tucson, Arizona.
