Clark Terry Memorial Broadcast

Sunday, February 22, 2015 - 3:00pm to Tuesday, February 24, 2015 - 3:00pm

Join us as we honor the life and work of Clark Terry, who passed away on Saturday, February 21st at the age of 94. With a career that spans more than 70 years, Clark Terry was an influential trumpeter, flugelhornist, educator, composer, writer, instrument designer, and NEA jazz master. We will preempt regular programming from 3:00pm today until 3:00pm Tuesday.

With beginnings from St. Louis, Missouri, Clark Terry was a part of the St. Louis jazz scene in the 1940’s. He played in a Navy band during World War II, and later played with the big bands of Charlie Barnet, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington. Clark Terry was one of the most-recorded musicians in the history of jazz, working with artists like Quincy Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, Dinah Washington, Aretha Franklin, Charlie Barnet, Dexter Gordon, Thelonious Monk, Billie Holiday, Gerry Mulligan, Ben Webster, Aretha Franklin, Doc Severinsen, Ray Charles, Billy Strayhorn, Bob Brookmeyer, Dianne Reeves, Sarah Vaughan, Coleman Hawkins, Zoot Sims, and Milt Jackson. He has been featured in big bands, small ensembles, and large ensembles including the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, Woody Herman Orchestra, Herbie Mann Orchestra, Donald Byrd Orchestra, the Tonight Show band and others including many led by Clark Terry himself. He received the 2010 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, NARAS President’s Merit Award, three Grammy nominations, and two Grammy certificates. Clark Terry also had a great influence on his students and said about teaching: “Teaching jazz allows me to play a part in making dreams come true for aspiring musicians.”


Please tune in as we recognize the remarkable influence and career of Clark Terry.