Clark Terry

Clark Terry was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1920. He first became known when he was working with the big bands of LIONEL HAMPTON, COUNT BASIE (1948-51), DUKE ELLINGTON (1951-59) and QUINCY JONES (1959-60).

In 1960 he started to work as studio musician for NBC and appeared in TV shows, but also toured with J.J. JOHNSON, ELLA FITZGERALD, OSCAR PETERSON, and co-led a quintet with BOB BROOKMEYER.

Clark Terry was one of the most popular soloists at the NORMAN GRANZ' JAZZ AT THE PHILHARMONIC concerts. Since the late 60s he has toured world-wide with his BIG BAD BAND and with small groups and has participated in numerous jazz education clinics. His spectacular ability to carry his playing beyond stylistic boundaries is characterized by his superior command of the instrument.

He was one of the first musicians to use the flugelhorn as alternative to the trumpet. Clark Terry also sets highlights during concerts with his humourous bluesy scat songs, with his famous "mumbles".