Steven Wine This cover image released by Motown Gospel shows "Beautiful Scars" by Merry Clayton. (Motown Gospel via AP) April 08, 2021 - 10:42 AM "Beautiful Scars,â Merry Clayton (Motown) It's appropriate Merry Clayton's singing volume on her new gospel album repeatedly reaches forte, which in French means strength. âBeautiful Scars" is a celebration of fortitude, and caps a comeback after Clayton lost her legs in a 2014 car accident. This is Clayton's first solo album in more than 25 years, but her name and enthralling alto will sound familiar to longtime pop fans. She was a Raelette for Ray Charles at 16 and sang on the Rolling Stones' âGimme Shelter," Joe Cocker's âFeelinâ Alrightâ and Lynyrd Skynyrd's âSweet Home Alabama."