Funeral Services for Clark Terry | Feb. 28th, 2015

FUNERAL FOR JAZZ LEGEND
CLARK TERRY
To be held at the Harlem historic
Abyssinian Baptist Church

WHERE: The Abyssinian Baptist Church
Officiated by Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III
132 Odell Clark Place
(West 138th Street between Lenox Ave.
& Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.)
New York, New York 10030

WHEN: Saturday, February 28, 2015
10:00 a.m.
Media Crews should arrive by 9:30 AM for set-up

CONTACT: Naomi Graham, Administrative/Media Officer
The Abyssinian Baptist Church
(212) 862-7474 x255

The services will take place on Saturday to send home our beloved Clark Terry. Clark 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.”

Clark will be laid to rest at the Woodlawn Cemetery following the service. Funeral services entrusted to P.K. Miller Mortuary, Pine Bluff, Arkansas and George H. Weldon Funeral Home, New York City.

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.

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