Trumpeter Clark Terry (14 December 1920- February 21, 2015) began his professional career in the early forties in local bands in his hometown of St. Louis. After World War II he joined the band of Lionel Hampton. From 1948 to 1951 he was part of the Count Basie Orchestra. Then he moved to the big bands of Duke Ellington (1951-1959) and Quincy Jones (1960). Terry had his concept of play major impact
… on other trumpeters, Miles Davis. He was a pioneer of the bugle (flugelhorn) in jazz. Terry was at home in the swing as hard bop and was known for his technique and good humor. In the sixties he worked for US broadcaster NBC, where he performed regularly in the band of the Tonight Show. He was also famous as a scat singer and scored a hit with Mumbles, which then would be his nickname. After his time at NBC Terry went to work as a studio musician and teacher and he led some own bands. He has performed around the world at festivals, played in clubs and recorded as a leader and as a sideman.more