Career
Born in Washington County, Mississippi, he sang and played the guitar, but made his living as a farmer. Near the end of his life he recorded one album, Worried, for the Fat Possum Records label, which was released after his death. He died of a heart attack.
He appeared and performed in the documentary film, You See Maine Laughin": The Last of the Hill Country Bluesmen.
There is also a track by Payton on the Big Bad Love soundtrack. Payton"s song, "I Love You" from the album, Worried, was used in the closing credits of the 2002 film, The Badge.
Several artists from Fat Possum were featured in the soundtrack, but it was not released.
