Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Philip Claypool considers himself a "Southern" singer/songwriter. Though he has admired the likes of everyone from Waylon and Willie to Van Morrison and Al Green, he concedes that the Mississippi Delta continues to run deepest throughout his musical influences.

With his first CD, "Circus Leaving Town", Claypool garnered national critical acclaim including USA Today's top 10 of 1995. His new release, "Perfect World", defies categorization as it brings an even broader range of influences and appeal to listeners of all musical genres. Just listen to the soulful "I Made A Fool", the blending of Cajun and Bluegrass in "Jack Daniel and Mr. Jim Beam", or the subtle salutes to legends Charlie Rich and Ray Price in "I'm Falling Again".

The fact that Claypool is featured as writer and producer on the bulk of the project adds credence to the passion and emotional reach that is evident throughout.

Today, he resides in Napa Valley, California, "for my family". He also quotes the Rolling Stones: