Darrell, grew up in Treasure Island Florida and started playing Music in local night clubs inTampa Bay at the age of 15. He worked full time in the central west coast area as a professional musician until he moved to Nashville in 1978.

He was 22 years old. Upon arriving in Music
City Darrell met his mentors, songwriter Chuck
Howard and the great studio musician Pete
Drake. Drake signed the young Clanton to a
five year staff writing contract where he enjoyed
a great deal of success as a staff songwriter.

During his time with Pete Drake's (Window Music Publishing Company) Darrell Clanton's songs were recorded by such artists as B.J. Thomas, Bobby Vinton, Grand Ole Opry member Jean Shepard, The Wilburn Brothers and Country Music Hall of Fame Member Charlie Louvin.

It was in 1984 when things began to really change for Darrell Clanton. He was signed to a recording contract with Warner Brothers Records and his recording of (Lonesome 7-7203) began to climb the charts. This recording reached the Top 20 in the U.S. and # 1 in Australia and New Zeland by January of 1984. Darrell Clanton was nominated by the Academy of Country Music for (New Male Vocalist of the Year) in April. With the Academy nomination, Darrell was asked to sing on the stage of the world famous WSM - Grand Ole Opry on three occasions, that same year. Darrell was then booked to open for Lynn Anderson and Hank Williams Jr. He was on tour for 2 years in 1985 and 1986.

In 2003 Darrell Clanton along with his wife Debbie decided to return to Florida. Upon his arrival in the Tampa Bay area he settled into a small home in North West Largo. Darrell began playing his music in the many local Tiki Bars and Beach Hotels in St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

It was in 2003 that Darrell met and started working with Greg (Big Dog) Seitz and Drummer Heuy (Bad Dog) Carter in Gibsonton, Florida. Once this combo came together and after many different gigs all over Tampa Bay the Dogs Playing Poker were born. Darrell is very glad to be one of the (Guitar Doggy's) that make the DOGS a true Florida born (Gator Brain) musical way of life.