From Glen Campbell to Texas Radio: How Jeff Dayton Built a Career in Country Music

In this season finale of Come And Pick It, Anthony Bonnette sits down with legendary guitarist, songwriter, and producer Jeff Dayton for a deep dive into his journey through the heart of American music. From the moment Glen Campbell saw Jeff and his band perform live, to touring the world, writing hits for George Strait and Case Hardin, launching his own podcast, and producing rising stars—Jeff’s story is packed with insight, laughs, and behind-the-scenes gold.
Whether you're chasing a music career, love classic country, or just want a great story, this episode delivers.

🔍 What you'll hear in this episode:
• Jeff’s early days in Minnesota and musical influences
• How he met Glen Campbell—and became his bandleader for 15 years
• Writing chart-topping Texas hits for Case Hardin
• Producing records at Nashville’s most iconic studios
• Launching his podcast Count It Off! and the band Garfunkel, Manilow & Campbell
• His Hawaiian connection and the making of Welcome to Ocean Country
• Teaching kids how to write songs in schools across America

📍 Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome to Come And Pick It – Featuring Jeff Dayton
(01:22) Growing Up in Minnesota and Early Musical Influences
(05:17) Playing in Jazz Bands and the Power of “The Groove”
(08:45) Arizona Days and the Jeff Dayton Band
(13:29) Meeting Glen Campbell & The Career-Changing Call
(17:08) Touring the World as Glen Campbell’s Bandleader
(22:15) Moving to Nashville and the Songwriting Shift
(26:01) Writing for George Strait, TV Shows, and Nashville Cuts
(30:13) Producing Records and Building Studio Dream Teams
(33:49) Chart Success in Texas with Case Hardin
(36:32) Launching Garfunkel, Manilow & Campbell
(40:40) Podcasting: “Count It Off!” and Island Music Vibes
(44:36) Welcome to Ocean Country – Jeff’s Latest Album
(47:18) Hawaiian Roots and Being Named Lokomaika’i
(50:25) Teaching Songwriting with “Making Music Nashville Style”
(55:19) Reflections on Career, Legacy, and What’s Next
(59:23) Outro and Season Wrap-Up

🎧 Tune In
Spotify → https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/comeandpickit
Watch more episodes → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-QfPDLZKsBJ4hgYTAVbE8jCT6E3BTaxL

🔗 Follow Jeff Dayton
Website: www.jeffdaytonmusic.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jeffdaytonmusic
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/jeffdaytonmusic
iTunes: https://itunes.com/jeffdayton
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ZVEcycH06m8pOJXjY56rH

🔗 Follow Anthony Bonnette & Come And Pick It
Anthony Bonnette: https://www.anthonybonnette.com/socials
Podcast Website: https://www.anthonybonnette.com/comeandpickit
Newsletter Signup: https://www.anthonybonnette.com/signup

⚠️ Disclaimer
This content may include paid partnerships, sponsorships, or affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. These partnerships help support the channel and allow us to bring you more content. Thank you for your support!