“Really? Read it again!” That was Clark’s response when I read a list of more than fifty stellar musicians who will perform at a fundraiser to help defray medical expenses for him. The event is on next Monday, April 23rd, 7:00 p.m., at Saint Peter’s Church in Manhattan. The address is 619 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022, and the suggested donation is $25 at the door.
This exciting concert is being produced by the Saint Peter’s Jazz Ministry, International Women in Jazz, the Duke Ellington Society, the Jazz Foundation of America, Clark’s musician friends, dozens of volunteers, and me. We are extremely grateful to everyone for their love, prayers and support.
We truly appreciate The Jazz Foundation of America for helping us with the astromonical expenses for 24-hour healthcare that Clark needs here at home. JFA is truly a God-send! If you aren’t able to attend the fundraiser, and would like to make a donation, you may write a check with “Clark Terry Account” on the memo line, and mail your donation to: Jazz Foundation of America, 322 West 48th Street, New York, NY 10036. Or if you’d like to donate online, please use the following JFA link: http://jazzfoundation.org/memory_honor
David Demsey is here visiting Clark at home. David is the emcee for the upcoming concert, and one of the performing musicians. He said, “This list reads like a “Who’s Who” in Jazz! It’s absolutely incredible!” Dr. D.D. (Clark’s nickname for him) is Coordinator of Jazz Studies at William Paterson University, and Curator of the William Paterson Living Jazz Archives, which contains The Clark Terry Archive, along with archives of Thad Jones and James Williams. David also wrote the Introduction in Clark’s autobiography. For more information about David, please click here.
After the third time that I read the list to Clark – his musician friends who are donating their performances for his fundraiser – he said, “Man, that’s beautiful! I feel so fortunate.” When he and David talked more about it, Clark said, “I wish I could be there in person, but I’ll be there.” We’re both planning to make a brief appearance via Skype during the event.
The outpouring of love from his friends on the list has lifted Clark’s spirit so much that his appetite has returned. He’s now gaining some of the weight that he’d lost while taking pain medication during recent months. I’m happy to report that his pain has diminished.
The beloved musicians who are donating their performance for next Monday’s concert include: Clifford Adams, Jr., Carl Allen, Lisle Atkinson, Art Baron, Gene Bertoncini, Valerie Capers, Paquito D’Rivera, Ron Carter, Jimmy Cobb, Sylvia Cuenca, Dee Daniels, Bryan Davis, David Demsey, Lou Donaldson, Mark Elf, Essiet Essiet, Don Friedman, Greg Gisbert, Dave Glasser, Onaje Allan Gumbs, Winard Harper, Barry Harris, Louis Hayes, Jimmy Heath, Conrad Herwig, Jack Jeffers, Melba Joyce, Justin Kauflin, Stantawn Kendrick, Bob Kindred, Victor Lewis, Tony Lujan, Russell Malone, Sarah McLawler, Marcus McLaurine, Junior Mance, Mulgrew Miller, Shawnn Monteiro, Frank Owens, Jimmy Owens, Jeremy Pelt, Anne Phillips, Rufus Reid, Bill Saxton, Josh Shpak, Don Sickler, Norman Simmons, John Simon, Lew Soloff, Helen Sung, Frank Wess, and the list is still growing. There will be surprise guests, too!
For more information, please click to see the flyer.
I’ve read him all of your messages on his website, and he always loves hearing them. He said, “Sometimes, when I’m not feeling my best, I think about how everybody is still pulling for me, and it helps me to feel better. I thank everybody, and I thank God!”
Recently, Clark went for a follow-up visit with his vascular surgeon, Dr. Heather LeBlanc. She said, “The amputation sight on his right leg (mid-thigh) has healed completely, and the left one (above the knee) is doing fantastically well.” Primary care physician, Dr. Simmie Armstrong, is also pleased with Clark’s progress. He said, “We still have to focus on protection, and no infection.”
Clark’s physical therapist works with him five times a week here at home, and visiting nurses are attending his left leg wound three times a week. He said, “They’ve been telling me that things are cooling out. It’s been a long journey with ‘strange changes.’ I’ve had some good days and some bad days, but I’m glad to still have days.”
Jon Faddis came to spend some time with Clark, while in Arkansas for a clinic and concert at Central High School in Little Rock. They spent quite a while together, laughing, reminiscing and discussing Clark’s book. Jon said, “I loved your book! When I read the passage where you talked about one of the albums that we did together – Take Double – I wondered if you remembered those slippery wings on that plane when we did the photo shoot for the cover? They had to put rubber strips on the bottoms of our shoes to keep us from sliding off.” Clark laughed and said, “I had forgotten about the rubber strips.” For more information about Jon Faddis, please click here.
Jon Faddis and Clark. (photo by Quincy Cavers)
During David Demsey’s visit, they discussed the newly released Terry Tunes book which is a compilation of some of Clark’s compositions, information on Clark’s “doodle-tonguing” technique, and more. They worked on this book for many years, along with Stjepko Gut and others, and they’ve gotten some wonderful comments about it. Visit the Terry Tunes page for more info.
As Clark and David discussed the Clark Terry Archive at WPU, David reported, “We’re excited about the archive website! We’re working hard to get it done, and it’s going to be great. We’ve got some incredible photos that can give you the feeling that you’re there in person.” As soon as the website is completed, we’ll be sure to let you know.
Later, they talked about the Skype lessons for which Clark is preparing. He asked for his trumpet and said, “I’m having a little arthritis trouble with my hands, but I’m doing my best.” Below is a photo of Clark and David.
Clark and Dr D.D. (photo by Quincy Cavers)
Clark and I thank you all so much for your kindness and encouragement. Although it’s been quite challenging, he’s come a long way, and your love has played an integral part.
Blessings and love,
Gwen
Hi Clark,
I am sending you all the best from the Metheny family. You have meant so much to all of us and have had such a huge impact on all of our lives. For me personally, the gigs that I got to play with you as a young teenager in Kansas City all those years ago formed the basis of the life I have been able to have as a musician and all of the enthusiastic encouragement you offered to me and the thousands of other young players you have inspired along the way is the greatest gift any of us ever could have hoped to receive. Everything about your music; the spirit, the sound, the notes, the feeling, the time, the melodies….all of it is pure and deep and absolutely the greatest example of what one person could ever offer in music. Thank you so much for everything and I hope you feel better soon!
Pat Metheny
God bless you, CT.
Keep on keepin’ on!
Lots of love to you from Miami,
Marc Berner (nephew of “BB” (Bill Berner)
Captain,
“Beethoven”, from Lausanne, Switzerland, is still watching and listening to you MAN ! I LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH !!! Tens of thousands of fans in Switzerland are joining me to say to you “Keep Swingin’ Man ” and we are still need you.
With all from our hearts, “Beethoven”, Lausanne, Switzerland
Dear Clark,
Never before have I experienced more love in one place than I did being at the amazing celebratory benefit held for you this past Monday in New York! From the more than 50 jazz greats who performed and the mob of people who came to cheer them – and you – on, Manhattan was absolutely abuzz! In fact, on Monday, April 23rd, New York “City” was actually New York “CT”….as it should be!
Only Clark Terry could inspire so many jazz greats to come from far and wide and play together under one roof! And, what a night it was!
Here’s wishing you much happy honking ahead, Clark…forever and ever!!!
Sending you much love and all the blest from way out west…
Michael
Dear Clark
Keep om keeping on
Lots of love and warm thoughts to a SWEET man
Karin and Tina
John Surman
I attended the concert in your honor in Manhattan last night….so lovely you could be there for a bit! The best New Year’s Eves I have ever spent were seeing you perform at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago. You are magical!
Wishing you everything wonderful….!
Karen Langer
Dear Clarc Terry, with great concern I heard of your difficult operation. I sincerely hope that you will have the strength to overcome this painful situation and get healthy again.
I wish you all the best and greetings from Madeira,
Carl alexander Bally
Always wishing you only the best. To one great person, who has taught me a lot about life.
Keith Brickhouse
Hello Clark,
Really wish we could be in St Peter’s Church today. Zoe and I are thinking of you and hope to see you soon.
Much love from across the pond and keep on, keeping on,
Heather and Zoe
Hello CT and Family,
Wishing you the best! You will always be my hero and inspiration! You are conatantly in my prayers!
God Bless and Keep you,
Ronald Carter
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL
Hello Mr Clark Terry,
I’m just a long time fan of the Duke Ellington Band and I came across the NYC benefit in your honor–love your music and want to thank you for all of it. Please feel better and know that you are in many a musical heart:-)
Love Chip B
There’s no way we can tell you how much your music and your humongous spirit have meant in our lives. You know our father loved you so much, and the time we spent with you in DC was one of the most memorable & magical of our lives. If we can’t hear you blow on “Solitude” and “Just For a Thrill” every day, that ain’t a good day. Sending our love & best wishes for your health. Philly & Tom Rizzo (Phil’s sons)
Hi Clark- It has been a long time man since
We saw each other. Can you believe that it has
Been 30 years since we made an CD together?
God Bless you man.
Joe Sudler
The greatest instructional brass-playing information I’ve ever received in my life; for only the price of a ticket to the finest jazz-combo performance I’ve ever heard, with solist Clark Terry. At Tilles Center, where I also often perform, with my wife during the intermission, Clark had the door of his room opened. Only having peeked-in, he extended an invitation. Hardly able to speak from being granted such a privilage, I mentioned, ‘I saw you breathe at the beginning of the concert, and that was about it!’ Clark repied, “I circular breathe; I’ll show you.” I recall being frozen like a statue, listening and watching in a more acute manner than I ever thought I was capable of. All of that remarkable information in only 10 minutes! It took me more than 10 years to get-it-down, but the experience has changed my life in countless ways. I have always been a great fan of yours, Clark Terry, as is the entire world far beyond our jazz community. Musically yours, Frank
Dear Clark,
How wonderful to know that you’re tooting again (from your trumpet, I mean!) The world is, by far, a better place when you have a horn in your hands. Keep your magnificent music comin’,and know that there are millions – actually, bazillions – cheering you on!!
Josh is so excited to be playing for you in New York on Monday!
Lots of love, as always, to you and Gwen from “The California Trio”…
Michael, Josh & Noah
C.T. – words cannot express my gratitude to you for your life long inspiration. You have lived “The Brotherhood of Man.” Pulling and praying for you, Clark. Thank you for all that you’ve done for me and for the thousands of other lives you’ve touched. Peace, Mike
I don’t spend a day without listening your wonderful music and reminiscing the beautiful moments we spent together in Paris, Nice, New York, Juan les Pins…!
love and a big hug from Paris
Claude
Hello Clark ! I don’t spend a day without listening to your wonderful music and reminiscing the beautiful days we spent together in Paris, Nice, Juan les Pins,New York…etc…
Love from Paris
Glad to hear of so much support for you, Clark Terry. Kenny Burrell posted your info on Facebook. It’s great you have such dear friends. I’m praying that the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ strengthens you, gives you joy and strength to continue to be the inspiration you are. Play on, brother.
Howie
Prayers for your continued recovery. My mother and her friends listened to your music. Thank you for bringing joy to their lives. You are awesome! My daughter was influenced by your music, even though she decided to play the saxophone. You’ve touched my family with your great music and I am grateful. Please continue to gett well Mr. Terry. God bless you.
To add an aural element to that wonderful photo of Clark back with his horn again – practically the first thing that came out of the horn was this beautiful long tone, with that trademark magnificent vibrato – and circular breathing! He says it will be a “long road back,” but his idea of a long road is a lot of peoples’ idea of close to perfection.
As part of my proud role with the Clark Terry Archive at William Paterson, I’ve been here for almost two weeks – magic! It’s been such a joy to work with Clark and Gwen on his archive materials, and to see Clark gain strength every day. This has been the latest of many life-changing experiences I’ve had with Clark – he’s a miracle!