Originally from Corpus Christi, TX, Chris moved to Austin Texas in 1975, and three years later joined the newly formed Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble. Following the tragic death of Stevie, Chris and bassist Tommy Shannon joined Charlie Sexton and Doyle Bramhall II and formed the Arc Angels. Several years later Chris and Tommy formed another Austin based band Storyville.

Arguably the best shuffle drummer in the business, Chris "Whipper" Layton has been a part of the KWS family since he joined Kenny in the studio to record Ledbetter Heights. Since then Chris has played on Trouble Is, Live On, the 10 Days Out: Blues from the Backroads documentary, Live In Chicago and now How I Go. Chris began touring with the KWSBand in 2006.