Clark Terry was a trailblazing musician, best known for his work with Duke Ellington and Count Basie, and later as a member of the Tonight Show Band, where he became the first African American staff musician at NBC. Over his long career, he became a mentor to countless young musicians, including Quincy Jones and Miles Davis.
Terry was also known for his signature “mumbles” vocal style and his commitment to jazz education, influencing generations of artists through workshops and mentorship. His contributions to jazz earned him a NEA Jazz Masters Award, one of the highest honors in the genre.
A true icon of American music, his legacy lives on in both performance and education.
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