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Topic: Clark Terry |
Bill McCloskey
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Posted 17 May 2012 1:01 pm |
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i'm sure many of you know that the great living legend Clark Terry now requires round the clock medical attention and most likely not be with us too much longer. A recent benefit concert to help defray his medical costs was held recently in New York to an SRO crowd: http://clarkterry.com/#/news-blog/
I thought I would start this thread to allow those of us who love this amazing man and musician to talk about the man and to introduce Clark Terry to those who may not know him.
What a life!
First, Clark Terry was a star when Miles Davis was just a young teenager. And it was Clark Terry who convinced a very skeptical Miles Senior that it was okay to send his son to Julliard to pursue music. Later he was baby sitter to Mile's kids (even though Miles stole from him when he was on herion in the 50's).
Clark Terry went on to break down every color barrier possible: I believe he was the first black man allowed in the NBC Orchestra and of course he played in the Johnny Carson house band.
He also was instrumental in introducing the Flugelhorn into jazz. And he played for years in the Duke Ellington band:
Instantly recognizable, the "Happy Horns" of Clark Terry produced some of the best jazz in history: always upbeat, always happy, always the entertainer: Clark Terry represents the best of the best as a musician, as an entertainer, and as a human being.
Here is a brief biography of the man: http://clarkterry.com/#/biography/ |
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Michael Lee Allen
From:
Portage Park / Irving Park, Chicago, Illinois
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Posted 17 May 2012 1:15 pm
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Removed
Last edited by Michael Lee Allen on 2 Aug 2012 8:24 am; edited 2 times in total |
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Bill McCloskey
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Posted 17 May 2012 2:38 pm
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| He was an innovator from the beginning. His album with Oscar Petterson is up there with one of the finest jazz recordings ever. and if you have heard his recording of the Gil Evan score of Porky and Bess, you know where Miles got a lot of his chops from. |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 17 May 2012 2:59 pm
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| do you mean Oscar Peterson? do you mean Porgy and Bess? |
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Bill McCloskey
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Posted 18 May 2012 3:52 am
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| Yes. was that all you had to add? |
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Barry Blackwood
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Posted 18 May 2012 8:13 am
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| Chris, I believe Porky and Bess is the country version. |
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John Mulligan
From:
Ontario, Canada
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Posted 18 May 2012 1:02 pm
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I remember Clark Terry almost exclusively from his presence on the Tonight Show as part of the NBC Orchestra, which was always a great band. He took great solos and always managed be cookin' musically while also, somehow, being funny and inspiring. He was always great and when he took a solos Johnny Carson always called him out by name as "the great Clark Terry." That's how I remember it anyway.
It seems like he led a wonderful life. Thanks for all the music, Mr. Terry! |
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Bill Cunningham
From:
Atlanta, Ga. USA
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Posted 19 May 2012 1:25 pm
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I saw him about 5 or 6 years ago at The Village Vanguard in NYC. Got to shake his hand and listen up close! He had to hold onto someone when he walked even then. He sat on a stool for both his sets.
A night I will not forget soon!
_________________
Bill Cunningham
Atlanta, GA |
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