Clark Terry (December 14, 1920 – February 21, 2015)

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Clark Terry in 1981The following information was taken in its entirety from Wikimedia.com

Clark Terry (December 14, 1920 – February 21, 2015) was an American swing and bebop trumpeter, a pioneer of the flugelhorn in jazz, composer, educator, and NEA Jazz Masters inductee.
He played with Charlie Barnet (1947), Count Basie (1948–1951), Duke Ellington (1951–1959), Quincy Jones (1960) and Oscar Peterson (1964-1996). He was also with The Tonight Show Band from 1962-1972. Terry’s career in jazz spanned more than seventy years during which he became one of the most recorded jazz musicians ever, appearing on over 900 recordings. Terry also mentored many musicians including Quincy Jones, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, Pat Metheny, Dianne Reeves, and Terri Lyne Carrington among thousands of others.

Clarke Terry and an All Star Band

Aretha Franklin & Guests, performing Clark Terry’s “MUMBLES”. Musicians include: Clark Terry, Herbie Hancock, Russell Malone, Ron Carter, Roy Haynes, Ron Carter, James Carter

I had the very good fortune to meet and spend some quality time with Mr. Terry during my early years at UNI when he performed with Mr. Jim Coffin’s jazz band on our campus. The thing I remember most was Clark knew how to have a good time after the concert and we all gathered for some liquid refreshments at Jim Coffin’s home. Those were great times. Thank you Clark and thank you Jim.

Bruce was a member of the faculty at the University of Northern Iowa, School of Music in Cedar Falls from 1969 until his retirement in 1999. He has performed with many well-known entertainers such as Bob Hope, Jim Nabors, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Anita Bryant, Carman Cavalara, Victor Borgie, the Four Freshman, Blackstone the Magician, Bobby Vinton and John Davidson.

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2 thoughts on “Clark Terry (December 14, 1920 – February 21, 2015)”

  1. Ron Post

    I was in the band when Mr. Terry came to play with us. What a find gentleman and truly a gifted teacher and humanitarian. He represents the finest in the human spirit. If you haven’t seen the recent documentary “keep on keeping on” it must be seen. I had tears and smiles while watching Mr. Terry. RIP

    • Bruce Chidester

      I must admit I remember the liquid refreshments at Jim’s place more than Clark…….

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