Clark Terry

Our beloved Clark Terry peacefully went home to God on Saturday, February 21st in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, surrounded by his family, students and friends. He was known internationally for his signature musicianship and gratitude for his love from many. For nearly half a century, Clark's greatest passion was helping to make young musicians' dreams come true. He was a tremendous source of inspiration, of love, of respect, of decency, and of human rights. He was one of the first recruits of the United States Navy when black musicians were given the Rating of Musician in 1942. From being one of the few musicians who played as a featured soloist in both the Count Basie and the Duke Ellington Orchestras, to being the first black staff musician at NBC, Clark had multiple bands including big bands, youth bands and other ensembles. He was one of the most recorded jazz musicians in history on more than 900 albums. Clark's devotion towards mentoring young musicians influenced the lives of worldwide master talents such as Quincy Jones, Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis and Dianne Reeves amongst countless others. Clark inspired everyone by example. As he was quoted in the documentary about his life and love for mentoring students, Keep on Keepin' On, "Your mind is a powerful asset. Use it for positive thoughts and you'll learn what I've learned. I call it getting on the plateau of positivity." He is survived by his loving wife Gwen Terry. His step-children Gary (LaJuana) Paris, Bruce "Tony" (Olivia) Paris, sister-in-law, Georgette Wiley, brother-in-law Harry (Carol) Golden and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Other family members who preceded him in death were his parents, Mary Scott and Clark Virgil Terry, his son, Hiawatha, his sisters, Ada Mae, Margueritte, Lillian, Mable Myrtle, Juanita Alberta, Marie Louise, Mattie Lucille, Odessa and his brothers, Virgil Otto and Charles Edward as well as his former wives, Mayola Robinson and Pauline Reddon. Services for Clark Terry will be held at the Abyssinian Baptist Church on Saturday, February 28th at 10 a.m., led by Dr. Calvin Butts. Clark will be laid to rest at the Woodlawn Cemetery following the service by George H. Weldon Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Jazz Foundation of America which has helped over the years to make sure that Clark's needs were met. Please note on donations that they be made "In Honor of Clark Terry" to help them continue this work. Local arrangements entrusted to the P.K. Miller Mortuary of Pine Bluff, Arkansas.