Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

December 14, 1920 in St. Louis, MO

Death

:

February 21, 2015 in Pine Bluff, AR

 

Clark Terry was a renowned jazz trumpeter and flugelhorn player who was born on December 14, 1920, in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up in a musical family and started playing the trumpet at the age of 10. Terry was inspired by the music of Louis Armstrong and Bix Beiderbecke, and he began playing professionally in his teens. In 1942, Terry joined the United States Navy and played in the Navy band during World War II. After his discharge, he played with various bands, including those led by Charlie Barnet, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington. Terry's time with Ellington was particularly significant, as he became the band's first African American member in 1951. He played with Ellington for eight years and was featured on many of the band's recordings. In addition to his work with Ellington, Terry was a sought-after studio musician and played on many recordings by other artists. He also led his own bands and recorded numerous albums as a bandleader. Terry was known for his virtuosic playing, his warm tone, and his ability to play in a variety of styles, from swing to bebop to Latin jazz. One of Terry's most famous compositions is "Mumbles," a humorous vocal piece that he performed frequently throughout his career. He was also known for his scat singing, and he often incorporated vocal improvisation into his trumpet solos. Terry was a beloved figure in the jazz world, and he mentored many younger musicians throughout his career. He was also a dedicated educator and taught at the University of New Hampshire and the William Paterson University in New Jersey. He was a frequent guest artist at jazz festivals and workshops around the world. Terry received many awards and honors throughout his career, including the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Award in 1991 and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. He was also inducted into the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame and the International Jazz Hall of Fame. Terry continued to perform and record well into his 80s, despite health problems that included diabetes and a leg amputation. He died on February 21, 2015, at the age of 94. His legacy as a musician and educator continues to inspire generations of jazz musicians.

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