Chris Clifton
was born in Texas seemingly with a guitar in his hand! Actually he started playing at the age of 10, honing his skills thru his teens while playing local venues around his Texas home. From this early start Chris has shared the stage with such greats as Jimmy Buffett along with Peter and Jim Mayer, Greg "Fingers" Taylor, and Michael Utley of the Coral Reefer Band, Delbert McClinton, ZZ Hill, the great James Taylor and family, Mason Ruffner, Randy Cobb, Mike Stockton, Michael J. Dohoney, the great Jimmy Paige, Chico Huff, Geoff McBride and Tim Jackson with JMAC, Jonathan Birchfield, drumming great Steve Barbuto and opened the Hard Rock in Dallas with John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd. While with Ruffner they opened for many top bands including U2, The Band, The Firm, The Beach Boys and Crosby, Stills and Nash. Chris was with Mason when they recorded his first album, self titled “Mason Ruffner” on CBS Records produced by Rick Derringer. Additionally while with Ruffner, Chris was part of the first MTV video ever filmed atop of the World Trade Centers, "Dancing on Top of the World". (See link to video below) Over the years in North Carolina Chris has been a member of the groups Public Domain, the Tailgators, the Jonathan Birchfield Band, the Shelia Carlisle Band, along with of course many versions of the Chris Clifton Band. Some of the favorite local places played have been Ten Years After, The Blues Room, Olde Hickory Tap Room, Fast Company, Windy City Sundries in Hickory, the Artist’s Café in Newton and Twiggs, Highlands and the Library in the Blowing Rock / Boone, NC area. While still enjoying playing at the Hog's Breath Saloon in Key West, Florida 5-6 times a year, as he has done for over 16 years, Chris is also devoting more time to promoting the band nearer home and working a little more on his song writing.
Hear his current writing and guitar work with JMAC on the next page, "About the Band".
Link to "Dancing on Top of the World"
Chris has shoulder length dark hair, black pants and white bloused long sleeve shirt in the "Dancing on Top of the World" video.
The Earlier Days!!
Make sure you check the events page for dates to catch us locally or maybe a trip to Key West, FL!
Anyone that might have pictures to share from band performances over the years to current please contact us at don@chriscliftonband.com
