Born in the Netherlands, Gerald Clayton grew up in California, where he began studying classical and jazz piano at age 6. Clayton cites Oscar Peterson and Benny Green among his influences and credits his father, bassist John Clayton, with steering him toward a career in music. Together with his trio, Clayton is a regular at the Jazz Gallery in New York, where he plays his own compositions, accompanied by well known jazz vocalists. A pianist with a refined playing technique, he finds inspiration in all musical styles.