Gene McDaniels: The Enduring Impact of “A Hundred Pounds Of Clay”

“A Hundred Pounds of Clay” is a song performed by Gene McDaniels, released in 1961. It was written by Bob Elgin, Kay Rogers, and Luther Dixon. The song tells the story of a man who, like a sculptor, molds the perfect woman from a hundred pounds of clay. He longs for her to come to life and be his own, but he realizes that his creation is just a statue.

Gene McDaniels’ smooth and soulful vocals, combined with the song’s catchy melody, made “A Hundred Pounds of Clay” a hit during the early 1960s. The song’s metaphorical lyrics and McDaniels’ emotive delivery resonated with audiences, and it became one of his most well-known tracks.

Upon its release, the song climbed the charts, reaching the number three spot on the Billboard Hot 100. It also performed well on the R&B and adult contemporary charts.

“A Hundred Pounds of Clay” has remained a classic in the pop and R&B genres, appreciated for its lyrical storytelling and McDaniels’ compelling performance. The song is a testament to the songwriting talent of its creators and the enduring appeal of romantic ballads.