The Story of Cliff DeYoung, Actor and Singer

Cliff DeYoung is a rare talent who successfully bridged the worlds of rock music and acting. Known for his role in the 1960s psychedelic band Clear Light and later for his acting work in television and film, DeYoung’s career spans decades and mediums. Though best remembered musically for his 1974 hit “My Sweet Lady,” he is better known today for his work in movies and television, appearing in everything from Shock Treatment to Flight of the Navigator.

DeYoung’s story reflects the eclectic spirit of his era—a performer who started on stage, found fame in film, and managed a brief but memorable moment on the pop charts.

Full Name	Clifford Tobin DeYoung
Stage Name	Cliff DeYoung
Date of Birth	February 12, 1945
Place of Birth	Los Angeles, California, USA
Education	California State University, Class of 1968
Genres	Rock, Folk Rock, Soft Rock
Main Instrument	Vocals
Known For	“My Sweet Lady” (1974); TV movie Sunshine
Associated Acts	Clear Light
Notable Films	Shock Treatment, Flight of the Navigator, Blue Collar
Years Active	1960s–present

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Clifford Tobin DeYoung was born on February 12, 1945, in Los Angeles, California. He attended California State University, graduating in 1968. Early on, his passion leaned toward music. He became the lead vocalist of the psychedelic rock band Clear Light, which formed in Los Angeles in the mid-1960s.

Clear Light was part of the thriving Sunset Strip scene and shared stages with legendary acts such as:

• The Doors

• Jimi Hendrix

• Janis Joplin

• The Byrds

Their self-titled debut album was released in 1967 under Elektra Records, featuring the minor cult hit “Black Roses.” Despite their strong live presence and label support, the band dissolved after one album due to internal creative differences and poor commercial performance.

Transition to Acting

After Clear Light disbanded in the early 1970s, DeYoung shifted focus to acting. He moved to New York City and joined the theater world, performing in notable Broadway productions such as:

• Hair – The counterculture musical where DeYoung’s musical background served him well.

• Sticks and Bones – A Tony Award-winning drama by David Rabe that highlighted DeYoung’s dramatic range.

These early roles helped him transition to television and film work when he returned to California later in the decade.

“Sunshine” and Musical Crossover

In 1973, DeYoung starred in the made-for-TV movie Sunshine, the emotional story of a young mother dying of cancer and the husband who supports her. The film struck a chord with audiences and led to a short-lived spin-off television series in 1975.

DeYoung also contributed vocally to the film’s music, performing “My Sweet Lady,” written by John Denver, who also provided other music for the project.

• “My Sweet Lady” was released on MCA Records

• It peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974

• The B-side was a cover of “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” also by Denver

Though the song marked DeYoung’s only entry on the pop charts, it became a staple of adult contemporary and oldies stations for years. It also established DeYoung as one of the few actors of his time to successfully cross over into mainstream music, even briefly.

Continued Acting Career

 

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Following his brief success in music, DeYoung focused exclusively on acting. From the mid-1970s through the 2000s, he built a long list of television and film credits:

Film Highlights

• Harry and Tonto (1974) – Directed by Paul Mazursky

• Blue Collar (1978) – A gritty film about factory workers, directed by Paul Schrader

• Shock Treatment (1981) – A cult favorite and semi-sequel to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, where he played dual roles

• Flight of the Navigator (1986) – A family sci-fi film where he played both the boy’s father and a mysterious NASA doctor

• Suicide Kings (1997) – A crime thriller starring Christopher Walken

• Last Flight Out (2004) – A Christian-themed adventure film

Television Highlights

• The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case (1976)

• The 3,000 Mile Chase (1978)

• Guest roles on shows like Murder, She Wrote, ER, JAG, and The Practice

DeYoung was known for his versatility, playing both heroic and villainous roles with equal credibility. He became a reliable character actor in both network television and independent film.

Legacy and Ongoing Recognition

Though he is often remembered as a “one-hit wonder” for his 1974 chart success, Cliff DeYoung has built a respectable and sustained career in entertainment. His work in Shock Treatment gained a cult following, while his role in Sunshine remains emotionally resonant for audiences who remember its original broadcast.

He is also admired in the rockabilly and classic pop music communities, thanks to the lasting popularity of “My Sweet Lady.”

Selected Discography

Though brief, DeYoung’s musical output during the early 1970s includes several singles. Most were released under MCA Records and written in a soft rock or folk-pop style.