Clark Terry “He’s the greatest!” beamed a 12-year-old youngster referringto jazz legend Clark Terry. The great trumpeter had just helped the young drummer discover how to “kick” a big band into the final chorus of “Take the ‘A’ Train”. Clark, though best known as headliner at the world’s premier jazz events, as well as a TV personality featured on such national programs as “ The Tonight Show”, is one of jazzdoms’s finest educators. As advisor to the International Association of Jazz Educators and much sought-after clinician, Clark Terry is often referred to as” America’s #1 Jazz Educator”. He is also noted author of Let’s Talk Trumpet: From Legit to Jazz, Interpretation of the Jazz Language and Clark Terry’s Systems od Circular Breathing For Woowind and Brass Instruments. Clark, one of contemporary music’s great innovators, is also justly celebrate for his great technical virusity, swinging lyricism and impeccable good taste. Combining these with the gifts of a great dramatist, Clark Terry is a master storyteller whose spellbinding musical “tales” leave audiences thrilled and always wanting more!

Clark’s Musical credits, though well known, deserve review. In the 1940’s, after serving in the Navy, Clark’s musical star rose rapidly with successful stints in the bands of Charlie Barnet, Charlie Ventura, Eddie Vinson, and then, in 1948, the great Count Basie. Along the way, in addition to his outstanding musicians such as Miles Davis and Quincy Jones, both of whom credit influence on younger musicians such as formidable influence during the early stages of their careers.

In 1951, Clark was asked to join Duke Ellington’s orchestra, where he stayed for eight years as a featured soloist. “The time with Ellington was like attending a university!” Clark recalls warmly. With Ellington, Clark’s star burned bright on tour and on recordings. Having become an International star, Clark was then counrted by the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) in New York, to join its musical staff. Accepting the challenge of becoming the first African-American musicians on the NBC payroll, Clark soon become a television star being one of the spotlighted players in the “ Tonight Show” moved West to Los Angeles, Clark chose to remain in New York to continue his busy schedule as a highly sought after Jazz artist and studio musician, not only in the United States, but throughout the world. Clark’s considerable accomplishments as a Jazz innovator and educators of the highest rank have earned an him inpressive array of honors.

He has recived nine Honorary Doctorates; College of New Jersey, Hamilton College, Elmhurst College, Manhatten School of Music, New England Conservatory of Music, and University of South Carolina. Additionally, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the national music fraternity, made him the first Jazz artist to be honored with its highest award for distinguished service to music. The U.S. State Department selected Clark and his band for tours to the Middle East and Africa as American Ambassadors of Goodwill. He has also been inducted into the prestigious Kansas City Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Walk of Fame. While earning his hundreds of honors, recordings and sell-out appearances at festivals and concerts worldwide, Clark has increased attention as a Jazz Educator. His dedication to the task of passing the torch of musical improvisation onto the next generation is second to none. Indeed, his great rapport with students is summed up not only in great music but in big smiles, from those who think of him as the master while sharing in creating Jazz --- the sound of surprise!