Clark Terry

An American trumpeter and bandleader, Clark Terry’s seventy-year career was defined by impeccable musicianship and stylistic adaptability. He was an essential contributor to the orchestras of Count Basie and Duke Ellington in the 1940s and 50s before becoming the first African American staff musician at NBC. [1, 3] Terry was a seminal force in popularizing the flugelhorn in a jazz context, known for his full, ringing tone. [2, 7] His unique, semi-coherent “mumbles” vocal style became a celebrated trademark. [10, 11] A prolific recording artist and dedicated educator, Terry’s influence shaped generations of musicians, including Miles Davis and Quincy Jones. [1, 3]