Tom T. Hall wrote The Year That Clayton Delany Died about a local guitar player, Lonnie Easterly, that he idolised growing up, but who never fully realised his talent by taking it to the big city. And this being a Country Music Hall Of Fame songwriter like Hall, it meant the inspiration for Clayton Delaney's talent and character was soon far outstripped by the song. I have no doubt that Easterly was a quality guitarist, but he can't be anywhere near as good as the aural picture painted of Delaney.