Mark your calendar for March 24, 2023, and get ready to experience an unforgettable night! Jeff Dayton will pay tribute to the great Glen Campbell through an exceptional performance at the Sylvia Beard Theatre. Visitors can kick off the evening at 8:00 p.m. and witness a spectacular show dedicated to this incredible musician and his fantastic work. Get your tickets right now!
Celebrating Glen Campbell with Jeff Dayton: An Uplifting Tribute
Jeff Dayton’s career as a Nashville artist is a great success story. He is a testimony that hard work, faith, and professionalism paid off. His relationship with Hall of Fame singer Glen Campbell was built on his guitar ability, earning him a place among the greatest country music stars in history. He has toured with Lee Greenwood and Kenny Chesney and shared the stage with iconic performers such as Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Tanya Tucker, Toby Keith, Buck Owens, and Bo Diddley – all of whom recognize his incredible skill and talent. With integrity and energy galore, he continues to take Nashville by storm.
Jeff had an outstanding early music education. He could listen to music by Johnny Cash, Roger Miller, and the Kingston Trio because his mother had a lot of records and an immense love of music. He eventually developed his passion for guitar players like Eric Clapton, Jerry Reed, and Jimi Hendrix and bands like the Byrds, Moody Blues, and Allman Brothers. The influence of these musicians cultivated what Jeff later identified as “the groove.” When he relocated to the Twin Cities area, he had the opportunity to work with legendary musicians like Dizzy Gillespie, Thad Jones, and even the backing bands of Bob Dylan and Prince, all of whom helped shape his unique appreciation for rhythm and beat. These experiences were integral in helping define his distinctive style today.
After his initial success, Jeff Dayton moved to Arizona and quickly made his mark on the state’s music scene. With the band he named after himself, he gained a lot of fans and had a regional #1 hit. He received the Decade’s Best award because of this. His rising star status led to offers to serve as the opening act for significant tours. At one such event featuring Merle Haggard, the Judds, and Alabama, Jeff met singer-songwriter Glen Campbell. Miraculously enough, Jeff ran into Campbell again during an opening show at Jack Nicklaus’ grand opening. After a jam session that wowed the VIP crowd, the unexpected happened – Jeff got an invitation to join Glen’s band! It would be an understatement to say this made a massive difference in Jeff’s career. It seemed like it was going to happen from the start.
Jeff took a courageous leap of faith when he moved to Nashville in 2000, which certainly paid off! He’s had songs recorded by some of Music City’s finest musical giants, like George Strait, Doug Stone, and Sarah Darling. His music has even made its way onto multiple TV series such as “The Voice” and “Hawaii Five-O.” Jeff is a seasoned producer who has worked with new artists like Matt Stell and established artists like Buck Owens, Glen Campbell, and The Kingston Trio. Every aspiring artist can take inspiration from Jeff’s story, which shows that success is possible if you’re willing to work.
After Glen Campbell, his mentor, and best friend died, Jeff got a lot of requests for a show that would honor the music and friendship he shared with the famous singer-songwriter. In honor of his memory, Jeff launched an intimate and upbeat presentation of Campbell’s greatest hits called “Salute to Glen Campbell.” He complimented the beloved tunes with stories about their time together. Thanks to passionate fans who love Campbell and Jeff’s heartfelt tribute, 2019 was their busiest year, filled with sell-out crowds and nationwide tours. This fantastic performance shows why Glen Campbell will always be one of the most famous names in country music.
