Clark: The Autobiography of Clark Terry

by Clark Terry, Bill Cosby (Foreword), David Demsey (Introduction)

Compelling from cover to cover, this is the story of one of the most recorded and beloved jazz trumpeters of all time. With unsparing honesty and a superb eye for detail, Clark Terry, born in 1920, takes us from his impoverished childhood in St. Louis, Missouri, where jazz could be heard everywhere, to the smoke-filled small clubs and carnivals across the Jim Crow South where he got his start, and on to worldwide acclaim. Terry takes us behind the scenes of jazz history as he introduces scores of legendary greats―Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, Dinah Washington, Doc Severinsen, Ray Charles, Thelonious Monk, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Coleman Hawkins, Zoot Sims, and Dianne Reeves, among many others. Terry also reveals much about his own personal life, his experiences with racism, how he helped break the color barrier in 1960 when he joined the Tonight Show band on NBC, and why―at ninety years old―his students from around the world still call and visit him for lessons.

Genres: Music, Biography, Jazz, Nonfiction, History

368 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Dana Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!

Such an inspirational life. CT was one of the all-time grandmasters of Jazz music and a person who was tireless in his efforts to use music as a vehicle to improve the human condition through mentorship, education and public performance. His life has no doubt contributed massively to the Jazz lexicon and to a better understanding of ourselves as citizens of this planet. I am grateful for the opportunity provided herein to better understand a profoundly gifted human being who never missed an opportunity to develop his craft, pull those around him up, and inspire with an infectious sense of life and hysterical sense of humor.

[Cathe Fein Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This is not just for jazz fans. Such an interesting story of a guy who loves jazz and the trumpet and had such an amazing determination and passion to play no matter what. Starting from a horn made out of junkyard scraps to playing with the jazz greats like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and many more--and on to mentoring other greats like Miles Davis, Quincy Jones and setting up programs for youth. There is a lot about the racism and the other musicians encountered and just so many interesting stories of his musical endeavors and experiences. Really great book!

[Liam · Rating 3 out of 5]

...Actually 3½ stars, not just three. The late Clark Terry was a legendarily great trumpet player, bandleader and musician, and one of the most active & influential teachers in the history of jazz. This book is extremely well-written (apparently by his wife) and fascinating, and I recommend it highly!

[Robert H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really fantastic and highly recommended! CT’s personality really shines through and I loved reading about his relationship with Duke Ellington and Count Basie in particular. Also the way he was so humorous, the way he lived his life and how his music reflected how he seemed to be always having fun. Check this book out, you will not be disappointed!

[Linus Wyrsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best musician autobiographies I’ve ever read

[Stephen Aguirre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, a page turner!

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clark is a spectacular look into the life of not often mentioned jazz legend Clark Terry. For those of us with only a peripheral awareness of jazz, the familiar names are Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie and a few others. Clark Terry's illustrious career includes having played with Count Basie and Duke Ellington, being the first African-American staff musician at NBC, mentoring Quincy Jones as a youth, and traveling the world over to share his great love with the masses. Jazz.

In his own words, Clark is funny, inspiring, rich with history and a must-read if you love jazz and want to know more about an authentic American music. It is apparent that Terry's life has been well spent. It's wonderful to see it in print.

I should also mention that I had the pleasure of watching Terry's documentary Keep On Keepin' On, which shares the spotlight with one of his students, Justin Kauflin. An amazing tribute to Terry, it also highlights the incredible talent of Kauflin, and chronicles their relationship as Terry slowly becomes less mobile from the effects of diabetes. It's very emotional, but lovely and lends extra personality to Clark. I highly recommend the film and book in conjunction with one another. Thank you, Clark Terry, for your immeasurable gift to music!

[Maribeth Mccarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting. He has contributed so much to Jazz music.

[Morris Nelms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any musician will find inspiration in these pages, as well anyone else who admires those who overcome terrible obstacles and persist in the face of them.
Add to the fact that the author is also one of the best ever at what he does and you have a winning combination.
He leaves some things out that I wonder at, but I've had many conversations and playing experiences with him. This is his voice.

[Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent. an unusually good read in this area

[Winter Sophia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Man With A Passion For Jazz, And For Life! Excellent Read!

[Curtis Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Clark Terry's life provided a fascinating view into the history of jazz and America. I walked away from this book inspired to keep on keepin on and to always look for ways to give back. This is a good read for anyone.