Born into a musical family Clay Bell first toured the United States at age 5 playing the spoons in his parents folk band. Before he could legally drive he was singing and playing guitar in nightclubs. Bell's first CD was picked up by Polygram and nationally distributed in 1995.

As a songwriter and guitarist he has enjoyed national airplay, and placements on MTV and Much Music. Billboard Magazine called Bell's music, "Smart Powerpop" and, Unsigned Music Magazine raved about his CD 'she and i' comparing the songwriting to Bob Dylan mixed with the feel good vibe of the Monkees. In 2006 he was featured in a National print ad for Taylor Guitars.

Clay has an extensive list of cover songs he performs, from standards to todays hits.

Clay has toured extensively through North America and has played the most prestigious music festivals including: SXSW in Austin, NXNE in Toronto, NXNW in Portland, Crossroads in Memphis, International Pop Overthrow in LA and CMJ in New Orleans. These days he prefers to stick closer to home stating, "I love to play places like the Cannery, here the World comes to you".

Over the years he has shared bills with Cheap Trick, Earth Wind and Fire, Colin Hay (Men at Work), Alex Chilton (Big Star), Cracker, The Posies, The Church, Berlin, Thomas Dolby, The Sugar Hill Gang, Trippin Daisy, The English Beat, The Connells, Ozomatli, Tyler Hilton, Dishwalla, Robert Randolph and The Family Band.