Austin Ellis
- Nashville, TN
- Singing Guitarist
- 262 Verified Bookings
Michael T. said “Besides being a fantastic singer and musician, Austin related well to the audience and captivated all. We went into this event hoping our guests would…”
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An accomplished vocalist and pianist, Clay Whittington is an energetic, passionate entertainer who delivers an unrivaled solo performance. Reflective of that “southern hospitality,” his piano bar shows take on the vibe of a continuous conversation through music and laughter. Filled with lively sing-alongs, games, spirited toasts, and roasts, Clay’s performance style is highly interactive and fun for all ages.
We hired Clay for a small church wedding ceremony in Globe, AZ before a larger one out of state. He was absolutely amazing. He sang Ave Maria and made my father-in-law cry. My F-i-L would replay the video on his phone over and over to listen. As far as communication, Clay was very proactive to make sure he was prepared. We were kind of clueless when it came to music and he was a big help pointing us in the right direction of what to think about for the ceremony. We cannot recommend him enough. If you are looking for a pianist and one that can sing too, he is very professional and has a wonderful voice!
Response from Clay Whittington:
Thank you so much, Anth! It was a pleasure to work with you. Congratulations to both of you!
Extensive repertoire and able to sight read so was able to take requests outside his repertoire. Will definitely hire again!
Response from Clay Whittington:
Thank you, Amber and Josh! I would certainly love to work with you again!
Clay Whittington was the perfect choice for entertaining at our celebratory party. We wanted talent and professionalism. And we got it! He has a wide repertoire and therefore was appreciated by our crowd of diverse tastes. Most importantly, he is an extremely talented piano player with a fabulous voice. He is easy to work with and understood our particular needs and desires. We were so confident with his ability to adapt to the dynamics of the evening and crowd, that we needed to do little other than let him perform for our very appreciative guests.
Response from Clay Whittington:
Thank you, Mimi! I had a blast! Congratulations to you both!
Clay was absolutely wonderful!!!!
This guy played to the crowd, always took requests, and were so professional and fun!!!!!!! Thank you, thank you!
Clay was wonderfully entertaining. He drew a crowd and they loved it. He played anything requested. Some folks even danced!!
Great performer. Great selection of songs. Stayed on longer without any hesitation.
Would definitely recommend him.
He did an excellent job (toothache and all!). I had guests approaching me all evening with comments about how great the music was, how talented Clay was and where I found him to book for the party. He literally was the icing on the cake!
Response from Clay Whittington:
Thanks, Paige! Regardless of the pain, I still had a great time. Happy birthday and best wishes!
Clay's involvement elevated our party to a new level. thanks!
Response from Clay Whittington:
Thanks, Lorraine! I had a great time!
Clay was the pianist at Duke's Piano Bar on the cruise my husband and I went on in September 2016. It quickly became our favorite spot after dinner each night! Clay is an amazing performer that can do just about anything! The environment at Duke's and the memories made there was one of the biggest highlights on our trip, thanks to Clay and all of the wonderful people we met!
Response from Clay Whittington:
Thanks Lea! Definitely one of the best cruises ever!
I love I love I love my calendar girl...
We had a great time on our Carnival Elation cruise mid September 2016. The highlight of the cruise was going to the Piano Bar each night. Clay "Business Time" Whittington is a very good entertainer. He is very personable and has a great, albeit, dry sense of humor. He went above and beyond by learning new material that was requested one evening so he could perform it the next evening. We made several new friends on this cruise and Clay is one of them.
Response from Clay Whittington:
Greg, thank you. That cruise was definitely a highlight of my LIFE. I'm sure we'll get to party together again soon!
Clay,
Thanks for giving us a great time with your music. Will give you a call for the next event.
Henry
Response from Clay Whittington:
Thanks, Henry! I had a great time. I'm looking forward to the next one!
Clay was an amazing person to work with. We hired him a few weeks before our Catholic wedding and asked him to perform specific songs. He never complained once even when we asked him to do extra work for us. He has a great voice and is fantastic on the piano as well! I would not hesitate to hire him again and will recommend him to my friends and family as well.
Response from Clay Whittington:
Thanks, Albert! Working with you and Vy was a pleasure. Thanks for the great review and CONGRATULATIONS!
Clay was amazing! He has a lot of songs in his playlist and he's great about getting requests. We were calling them out and he'd play them right away! He was wonderful when planning the details and when we met him at the party. He's professional, curteous, funny and amazing at the piano! I could go on and on about him! I HIGHLY recommend him!!
Response from Clay Whittington:
Thank you, Stacey! I had a great time! Looking forward to next time!
Clay performed at a private client event held in December. He was very professional and friendly to work with leading up to the event, and he was also on time to set up before any guests arrived. Clay took many song requests from our clients - he has an extensive repertoire! We will definitely book Clay again if he is available and we highly recommend him.
Response from Clay Whittington:
Thank you, Erica! I had a great time that evening. I hope to work with you again soon!
Clay was great to communicate with...and showed up on time and was wonderful with my guests...most of all he is an outstanding pianist...I would highly recommend him for any 'gig'....I will hire him again.
Response from Clay Whittington:
Thank you, Maria! I had a great time!
Clay was a trooper! He drove for an hour through icy cold weather to surprise my wife! He played more songs than I had arranged after which he stayed a while and talked. We found him very friendly and warm. My wife and I were thrilled with the performance. He is very talented both vocally and with the keyboard.
He took an anniversary and made it even more memorable. We would definitely use him again and we would certainly recommend him to family and friends.
Clay continues to be a consummate professional. He handled the wedding with the utmost respect for the bride and groom, not to mention the families. He was able to work through some very touchy situations with the church ministers who were not willing to work with him. He provided them the information they needed to understand the bride's requests and was able to negotiate an agreement that pleased all parties. This was way beyond what would have been expected of a typical performer; Clay handled it in his normal professional manner.
I highly recommend Clay. He is one of the most talented performers I know and one of the very best people to work with.
Clay plays and sings from the heart. We found him to be professional and very easy to work with, very flexible. We would choose Clay for any event we might have. I would recommend him to all my friends for any event! He is excellent at the piano and guitar!
Clay did a wonderful job. I would recommend him to anyone. He was presentable, great with giving recommendations, and played the piano beautifully.
My husband and I were both very satisfied with the music played at our wedding ceremony. Clay is very professional and easy to communicate with.
Clay presented his touring performance HYMNPROV on November 15 as part of a benefit concert for a local high school. The stunning improvisations on well-known hymns and Christmas carols wowed the audience which ranged from children to parents and grandparents. I would recommend Clay and HYMNPROV for your next event with a church or community of faith. I have also watched as Clay accompanied a full theatrical production that lasted for 3 hours. His talents are exceptional. Whatever your needs for a singer or pianist Clay will fulfill your requirements professionally and to your total enjoyment.
I went to Costello's Bar to hang out and this guy was playing the piano. He was an incredibly talented pianist and and really good singer. He played a wide variety of songs from Michael Buble's "I Just Haven't Met You Yet" to songs from the soundtrack of "The Lion King".
I figured this guy deserved a good review because he was very entertaining
Response from Clay Whittington:
Thanks, Brandon! I appreciate you coming out to see the show!
Price Range: $400 and up
Gig Length: 120 - 240 minutes
Languages: English
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Liability Coverage (Liberty Mutual)
Unions: Other
Clay delivers an unparalleled performance at a reasonable cost. Clay's vast repertoire will keep any size audience entertained all night.
Prior to the event, he works diligently to ensure that everything is in line for a flawless performance.
Clay Whittington has been praised for his musical artistry and showmanship in both popular and cultivated genres. As a vocalist, his recent work includes performances with East Carolina University Opera Theater and Carnival Cruise Line. He currently serves as Director of Music Ministries at First United Methodist Church of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina.
Clay has served as a church musician in the United Methodist and Episcopal denominations for much of the last two decades. In this role, he has conducted choral and instrumental ensembles in North Carolina, California, and Arizona. Outside of regular worship services, he has lead music and worship at the North Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Diocesan Convention for the Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real, and a Revival for the Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real, featuring Presiding Bishop, The Most Reverend Michael Curry.
From 2016 to 2018, Clay performed on nine ships in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, earning Carnival Entertainment’s Top Performer status prior to his departure. Clay has also performed for clients such as SalesForce, Pebble Beach Resorts, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am, the Cypress Inn (Carmel, CA), Fairmont San Francisco, and many others.
Clay received his A.F.A. in Music from Lenoir Community College (Kinston, NC) and his B.M. in Performance with a concentration in Sacred Music Vocal/Choral from East Carolina University (Greenville, NC). During his undergraduate studies, Clay performed with the internationally renowned East Carolina University Chamber Singers and East Carolina University Opera Theatre. In the fall of 2022, he will continue with graduate studies in vocal performance at the University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ). In 2022, he was inducted into the Beta Zeta Chapter of the Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society.
Clay is an active member of the American Guild of Organists, the American Choral Directors Association, and the National Association of Teachers of Singing.
I provide all of my own instruments and equipment unless otherwise agreed to. My audio amplification systems can cover groups of up to 300 patrons. Please see my stage/setup requirements for other details.
June 01, 2023 • 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
December 21, 2019 • 8:00pm - 10:30pm | Cocktail Party |
June 04, 2019 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Wedding Reception |
May 04, 2019 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Birthday Party |
December 19, 2018 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm | Christmas Party |
December 15, 2018 • 6:00pm - 10:00pm | Christmas Party |
December 02, 2018–February 03, 2019 • 9:00pm - 11:55pm | Carnival Dream |
November 21, 2018 • 7:00pm - 11:00pm | Holiday Party |
September 02, 2018–November 04, 2018 • 9:00pm - 11:55pm | Carnival Pride |
August 21, 2018 • 5:30pm - 9:30pm | Birthday Party |
June 04, 2018–August 04, 2018 • 9:00pm - 11:55pm | Carnival Triumph |
March 23, 2018–May 07, 2018 • 9:00pm - 11:55pm | Carnival Paradise |
September 23, 2017–November 26, 2017 • 12:00pm - 12:00pm | Carnival Vista |
May 11, 2017–August 12, 2017 • 12:00pm - 12:00pm | Carnival Valor |
March 11, 2017–April 08, 2017 • 12:00pm - 12:00pm | Carnival Glory |
January 29, 2017 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
January 28, 2017 • 6:00pm - 10:00pm | Birthday (Adult) |
January 22, 2017 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
January 16, 2017–January 19, 2017 • 9:00pm - 11:55pm | Carnival Inspiration: Rhapsody in Blue Piano Bar |
January 15, 2017 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
January 08, 2017 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
January 01, 2017 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
December 25, 2016 • 9:00am - 10:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
December 22, 2016 • 1:30pm - 3:00pm | Carmel Valley Manor |
December 20, 2016 • 8:00pm - 9:00pm | Holiday Party (Christmas) |
December 18, 2016 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
December 15, 2016 • 4:00pm - 7:00pm | Corporate Event |
December 14, 2016 • 12:30pm - 1:30pm | Double Nickels - Good Shepherd |
December 12, 2016 • 6:30pm - 7:30pm | Corporate Event |
December 11, 2016 • 5:15pm - 8:00pm | Patria; Salinas, CA |
December 11, 2016 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
December 10, 2016 • 6:30pm - 10:00pm | Tacos, Tunes, & Tinsel - Good Shepherd |
December 09, 2016 • 12:30pm - 2:00pm | Monterey Peninsula Country Club |
December 04, 2016 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
December 02, 2016 • 8:00pm - 9:30pm | Corporate Event |
November 27, 2016 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
November 20, 2016 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
November 13, 2016 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
November 06, 2016 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
November 05, 2016 • 8:00am - 8:00pm | ECR Diocesan Convention |
October 30, 2016 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
October 23, 2016 • 5:15pm - 8:00pm | Patria |
October 23, 2016 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
October 16, 2016 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
October 15, 2016 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Terry's Lounge at the Cypress Inn |
October 09, 2016 • 5:15pm - 8:00pm | Patria |
October 09, 2016 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
October 02, 2016 • 2:00pm - 5:00pm | Birthday (Child) |
October 02, 2016 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
October 01, 2016 • 5:30pm - 6:30pm | Private - Wedding |
September 25, 2016 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
July 23, 2016–September 20, 2016 • 12:00am - 11:55pm | Carnival Elation: Duke's Piano Bar |
July 17, 2016 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
July 16, 2016 • 8:00pm - 10:00pm | Ship-Out Party: Clay Whittington at Affina |
July 10, 2016 • 4:00pm - 7:30pm | Birthday (Adult) |
July 10, 2016 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
July 03, 2016 • 5:15pm - 8:00pm | Patria in Salinas, CA |
July 03, 2016 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Good Shepherd: Sunday Morning Service |
July 02, 2016 • 8:00pm - 10:00pm | Affina - Carmel, CA |
May 28, 2016 • 2:00pm - 3:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
March 31, 2016 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Kinston, NC |
February 20, 2016 • 5:00pm - 10:00pm | Birthday (Adult) |
December 10, 2015 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Corporate Event |
November 21, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Carmel, CA |
November 14, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Cypress Inn; Carmel, CA |
October 25, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Patria; Salinas, CA |
October 24, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Cypress Inn; Carmel, CA |
October 10, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Cypress Inn; Carmel, CA |
September 15, 2015 • 8:30pm - 10:00pm | Corporate Event |
June 21, 2015 • 11:00am - 12:30pm | Religious Celebration |
May 03, 2015 • 12:00pm - 2:30pm | Birthday (Adult) |
March 29, 2015 • 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Birthday Party |
Current and complete cover repertoire list may be found at my website, but 50 of my most popular requests are:
All My Exes Live in Texas - George Strait
American Pie - Don McLean
Baby Got Back - Sir Mix-A-Lot
Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
Brandy - Looking Glass
Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
Come Sail Away - Styx
Crocodile Rock - Elton John
Danger Zone - Kenny Loggins
Daydream Believer - The Monkees
December 1963 (Oh, What a Night) - Frankie Valli
The Devil Went Down to Georgia - Charlie Daniels
Don’t Stop Believin’ - Journey
Escape (The Piña Colada Song) - Rupert Holmes
Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Tears for Fears
Family Tradition - Hank Williams, Jr.
Footloose - Kenny Loggins
Friends in Low Places - Garth Brooks
The Gambler - Kenny Rogers
Great Balls of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis
Hey Baby - Bruce Channel
Hey Jude - The Beatles
Hotel California - The Eagles
I Love This Bar - Toby Keith
If I Had $1,000,000 - Barenaked Ladies
Jessie’s Girl - Rick Springfiel
The Joker - Steve Miller
Joy to the World - Three Dog Night
Let It Be - The Beatles
Livin’ on a Prayer - Bon Jovi
Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffett
Mustang Sally - Wilson Pickett
Nine To Five - Dolly Parton
Old Time Rock & Roll - Bob Seger
Only the Good Die Young - Billy Joel
Paradise by the Dashboard Light - Meatloaf
Piano Man - Billy Joel
Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash
Rocket Man - Elton John
Shout - The Isley Brothers
Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond
Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Take Me Home, Country Roads - John Denver
Tiny Dancer - Elton John
Under the Boardwalk - The Drifters
Wagon Wheel - Bob Dylan
You May Be Right - Billy Joel
You Never Even Called Me By My Name - David Allan Coe
You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling - The Righteous Brothers
Your Song - Elton John
Elton John, Billy Joel, Ben Folds, Floyd Cramer, and The Barenaked Ladies.
Minimum 10'x10' staging area
Two (2) dedicated 20-amp circuits within 10 feet of staging area
One (1) 10'x10' canopy tent (if event is outdoors)
Michael T. said “Besides being a fantastic singer and musician, Austin related well to the audience and captivated all. We went into this event hoping our guests would…”
Martha L. said “Jaraneh, we wanted to thank you for doing such an amazing job at our event. Your voice is beautiful and everyone loved the playlist you chose! You definitely…”
Bambi C. said “Had a great time with the band!!! They played such a great variety of music to entertain all our Halloween trick or treaters! Never a dull moment. Great…”
Eric B. said “Andrew is a great performer. He’s personable both on and off stage, and is as professional as they come. Highly recommend booking him for any event.”