RIP Trumpeter Clark Terry

KCRW’s Strictly Jazz host Bo Leibowitz honored the legacy of the late great trumpeter Clark Terrywith his show this week, which you can stream below.

Terry recently passed away at the age of 94.

A St. Louis native idolized by Miles Davis (also from St. Louis), Terry’s puckish, recognizable tone could be heard in a variety of settings, including early stints with the bands of Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Quincy Jones.

He became even better known for his conversational scat singing, and “Mumbles” became his trademark hit.

He was a regular featured soloist in the Tonight Show band from 1962 to 1972 and was a particular favorite of Johnny Carson.

Rhythm Planet host Tom Schnabel also shared his thoughts on the loss, saying “whether as a leader or a sideman, Terry was always in total command of his instrument. He could do it all: range, tone, chops, improvisations—the full spectrum of everything that makes a jazz musician a giant.”

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