Born in Washington, D.C., United States, in 1894, he was the son of John Turner Layton, "a bass singer, music educator and hymn composer.

"[2] After receiving a musical education from his father, he attended the Howard University Dental School, later coming to New York City in the early 1900s, where he met future songwriting partner, lyricist Henry Creamer.

[3] It was recorded in 1927 by Frank Trumbauer (with Bix Beiderbecke), and was a rock and roll hit for Freddy Cannon in 1959.

[2] Beginning in 1924, Layton found major popular success in England with Clarence "Tandy" Johnstone[5] as a member of the group Layton & Johnstone, quickly earning a reputation as a cabaret act, with the pair allegedly selling over 10 million records.

[3] An elegant song stylist, he held a regular, successful spot over the years at the Café de Paris, a London club, until his retirement in 1946.