Clark Terry’s family announced this week that the 94-year-old trumpeter has entered Hospice care. Clark’s health challenges, some of which I’ve documented in previous blogs, have continually widened the circle of love that surrounds him. At this count, his website guestbook is brimming with over 1500 messages, two of which are below. Click here to leave one of your own.
“I don’t really know Clark, but he and I share the same home town and our paths have crossed three times in the past. Every time I had an encounter, Clark treated me like a long lost friend, holding court and telling me stories of St. Louis, recording sessions, his trips to Europe and the many musicians he calls colleagues and friends. Clark has always taken the time with me because he knew the love I have for jazz and my interest in his music. Because of these encounters, I consider Clark a friend, someone I admire as much as a human being as a musician. So here’s to a great guy, a man I respect and love. Clark, may your next journey be as exciting and fulfilling as your last. Tell me the stories next time we meet.” Joe Schwab
“When I was 8, in 1969, my folks took me to see you at the Masonic Temple in Davenport, Iowa. That was IT, man, I was going to be a Trumpet Player! You did it ALL on a trumpet, flugelhorn, and pocket horn. Last time I saw you do it was at Oscar Petersen’s Thing at Carnegie Hall with Marian McPartland and you could STILL Play like Clark Terry! I can’t do it like you but I’ll just keep hacking at it til they put me in a box. Thanks for Everything.” Jim Stone
A decade ago, Dan Morgenstern wrote about Clark’s “indomitable spirit,” marveling at the way he can “light up any situation” and recognizing that quality as a “refraction of the life essence of Louis Armstrong.”
Clark brings Pops to mind in this performance with the Oscar Peterson Trio in Finland in 1965. The set begins with the trio playing “Yours Is My Heart Alone,” then Clark comes on to play the Armstrong classic “Mack the Knife,” followed by “Blues for Smedley,” “Misty,” and “Mumbles.” This is the kind of playing that makes one either race to the woodshed or run for cover!
Say a little prayer for CT’s comfort, and enjoy.