Clark Terry Quotes

Trumpeter
USA
1920 - 2015

Clark Terry was an American jazz trumpeter, composer, and educator. He was born in 1920 in St. Louis, Missouri and began playing the trumpet at a young age. He gained recognition in the jazz world for his unique sound and technical abilities, and went on to play with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Quincy Jones.Terry was also known for his work as a composer, with notable pieces such as “Mumbles” and “Serenade to a Bus Seat.” He was a pioneer in the use of the flugelhorn in jazz, and his playing style influenced many other musicians.In addition to his successful career as a performer, Terry was also a dedicated educator. He taught at jazz workshops and clinics around the world, and was a mentor to many young musicians.Throughout his career, Terry received numerous accolades, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Jazz at Lincoln Center Hall of Fame. He continued to perform and teach until his passing in 2015, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of jazz.Read Less

Well, I’m too old to pimp, and too young to die, so I’m just gonna keep playin’ Feraz Zeid, December 25, 2023, Clark Terry, Jazz, Youth, 0

- Clark Terry

Trumpeter

· USA

Jazz
Youth

Count Basie was college, but Duke Ellington was graduate school. Feraz Zeid, December 25, 2023, Clark Terry, College, Music, School, 0

- Clark Terry

Trumpeter

· USA

Clark Terry Career Highlights

Terry began his professional career in the early 1940s, playing with local bands in St. Louis. He then joined the Navy in 1942 and played in the Navy band, where he honed his skills and gained recognition for his talent.
After his discharge from the Navy, Terry joined the Count Basie Orchestra in 1948, where he played alongside jazz legends such as Lester Young and Billie Holiday. He also recorded his first solo album, “Serenade to a Bus Seat,” during this time.
In 1951, Terry joined Duke Ellington’s orchestra, where he became the first African American to hold a permanent position in a major white band. He stayed with Ellington for eight years and recorded some of his most iconic solos, including “Perdido” and “Satin Doll.”
In the 1960s, Terry became a sought-after studio musician, recording with artists such as Quincy Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, and Oscar Peterson. He also formed his own band, the Clark Terry Big Bad Band, which toured extensively and recorded several albums.
Terry’s career continued to flourish in the 1970s and 1980s, as he performed and recorded with jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and Bob Brookmeyer. He also became a mentor to many young musicians, including Miles Davis and Wynton Marsalis.
In 2010, Terry was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to jazz. He also received numerous other awards and honors throughout his career, including the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Award and the French Order of Arts and Letters.

Key Contributions by Clark Terry

Terry was known for his mastery of the trumpet and flugelhorn, as well as his unique scat singing style. He was also a pioneer in the use of the flugelhorn in jazz, which became his signature instrument.
He was a highly versatile musician, able to play in a variety of styles, including swing, bebop, and ballads. His technical proficiency and musicality were admired by his peers and influenced many young musicians.
Terry was a prolific composer, with over 200 compositions to his name. Some of his most famous compositions include “Mumbles,” “Serenade to a Bus Seat,” and “The Snapper.”
He was a mentor and teacher to many young musicians, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation. He also wrote several instructional books and recorded educational albums to help aspiring musicians.

What Sets Clark Terry Apart

Terry’s unique sound and style set him apart from other jazz musicians. His use of the flugelhorn and scat singing made him instantly recognizable and highly influential.
He was one of the first African American musicians to break racial barriers in the jazz world, paving the way for future generations.
Terry’s longevity and consistency in his career are also remarkable. He continued to perform and record well into his 90s, leaving a lasting impact on the jazz community.

Takeaways

Clark Terry’s career is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication to his craft. He overcame racial barriers and became one of the most respected and influential musicians in jazz history.
His versatility and technical proficiency serve as an inspiration to aspiring musicians, showing that with dedication and practice, one can excel in various styles and genres.
Terry’s mentorship and commitment to passing on his knowledge and experience highlight the importance of giving back to the community and nurturing the next generation of musicians.

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