That’s my wife Gwen, giving me a “congratulations” kiss.
Photo Credit: Gary Paris

Man, I’m so grateful to all of my friends at JALC – Wynton Marsalis and Seton Hawkins and everyone there. I’m proud of the fantastic work that they’re doing to perpetuate our music, and for organizing Nesuhi’s Jazz Hall of Fame.

One of the first people that I had the pleasure of meeting in New York City was Nesuhi. As a matter of fact, I did some of my first recordings for his company. I enjoyed working with him. He was a highly respected man in the industry. A real good cat. So, it’s an honor to receive an award in his name.

Being honored means a lot to me, especially since I spend most of my time in bed. My back hurts after I sit up for a few hours. But I do the best that I can to get up everyday for as long as I’m able, especially when friends like Annie come to visit.

Annie took me for a ride down the street.
Photo Credit: Anne Maxwell Megibow

She’s the daughter of my old friend, Jim Maxwell. He and I were section mates in the Tonight Show Band back in the 60’s. Great trumpet player. Really good buddy. I mentioned him and Annie in my autobiography. When she was a little girl, I told her that she was going to be a dancer one day. And that’s exactly what she did! Now she heads up the dance program at Piedmont Virginia Community College. I’m glad that she’s teaching; helping young dancers.

You know how I feel about teaching. It’s the greatest joy of my life. If I’m having a difficult day, I teach my students from my bed. They’re cool with that. And on a good day, I teach from my wheelchair. Talking about beautiful! Man, I love to spend time with eager young musicians, answering their questions and sharing some techniques.

My friend Mike Vax set things up for some students to come here from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. They wanted to learn more about improvisation. It was a gas! I ran some heavy riffs by them, and they didn’t stop until they pretty much nailed everything! They’re coming again next week.

That’s Josh Martin on the left, and Bass Deese on the right. Their teacher, Gary Meggs is in the back. Real promising students and a hip teacher!
Photo Credit: Gwen Terry

Talking about promising young folks, my granddaughter Legacy Paris was honored in Little Rock at the State Senate for her campaign against bullying last month. And the Pine Bluff City Council recognized her efforts last year. While she was visiting here from Ft. Worth, we swapped stories about the horrors of being harassed at school. I went through that scene of being bullied back when I was a boy, and I mentioned it in my book.

From left to right: Gary Paris, Senator Stephanie Flowers, Legacy Paris, Gwen Terry, and Georgette Wiley

We’re all so proud of Legacy’s fight against bullying. Gwen told me that the whole room of Senators gave Legacy a standing ovation!
Photo Credit: Gary Paris

Too many of our young folks are struggling with that bullying crap! There ought to a law against it. It’s a terrible thing to be bullied by classmates. Some of our young folks are committing suicide because of it. Terrible, just terrible! Legacy told me that thousands of kids stay out of school everyday to avoid being bullied. My hat is off to everyone who’s working to put a stop to it, and I’m praying that Big Prez will bless all efforts with success. You can read the article about Legacy by clicking here.

I’m also praying for some peace in this world. Praying for the victims and their families from that bombing at the Boston Marathon. Praying for our injured troops, and for the families who have lost their loved ones. Praying like the lyrics of Maestro’s (Duke Ellington) tune Come Sunday, ”Lord, dear Lord above, God almighty, God of love, please look down and see my people through.”

More of our friends have gone on to glory since my last blog. My dear friend D.B. (Donald Byrd) left some beautiful music for us to enjoy. He was such a talented cat, and Phil Ramone was a great producer. I did some gigs for Phil, and played quite a few times with D.B. It was a blessing to have them in our lives.

Joel Boykin, my friend in Alabama passed away a few weeks ago, and he donated his body for research. He was a real fun dude, and a big fan of jazz. He said that he hung out at so many of Maestro’s performances, until he was asked, “Are you in my band?”

Funny stories like that make life easier, and so do friends who lend a hand when the chips are down. So, I want to thank all of you who are helping me to pay for the 24-hour care that I need. Without you, and the grace of Big Prez, I’d be forced to go to a nursing home, where I wouldn’t be able to keep teaching young musicians.

Lakecia Benjamin was in my Young Titans of Jazz Big Band. You can read her cover story article by clicking here.

I’m very proud of Lakecia, and all of the young lions that I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Crystal Torres is still making great strides in Beyonce’s band; Josh Shpak is still winning awards; Ryan Kisor laid down some great tracks and is blowing up a blue streak; Justin Kauflin is heading to the top in Q’s (Quincy Jones) Global Gumbo Tour. There are thousands of young musicians who have told me that my sessions with them have helped their careers. I feel so blessed.

That’s what gives me the courage to deal with waves of “Phantom Pain” where my legs were amputated. From what I understand, my brain sends pain signals to areas where it thinks that my body has a problem, like missing limbs. So my amputation sites hurt like hell sometimes. It’s weird to feel foot pains when I have no feet, but I ditched my pain pills because I didn’t want to get hooked.

The good thing is that I’ve learned to distract my brain from sending those pain signals by concentrating on something else like teaching, exercising or conversation. So, I try to keep a busy mind because it chases that pain away. Like the saying goes, “A poor mouse only has one hole.” That’s why I always look for ways to deal with problems, instead of getting bogged down.

Lots of our musicians have problems and can’t work, like me. You have helped to axe those problems by supporting the Jazz Foundation of America. Their fundraiser – The 12th Annual Great Night in Harlem – is on May 17th. Your donations have helped thousands of our musicians who were facing some financial difficulties. Eviction, hunger, health issues, homelessness, and a bunch of other horrors. Hard times can hit anybody, even you. It would be beautiful if you’d like to keep the flame of hope burning. You can make a donation to help our musicians by clicking here. I’ve nicknamed JFA, Our Angels on Earth!

I wish I could be at the Jazz at Lincoln Center ceremony when they induct me into the Nesuhi Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame, but my “crickety” old bones are telling me, “No!” I just can’t travel until I can sit up for longer than a few hours a day. I felt better about my limitations when Gwen read me a quote from Wynton regarding my award.

“Clark Terry is a phenomenal musician, a trumpeter without equal: self-taught, purely original technique. He has inspired so many trumpet players, from Miles Davis to Ryan Kisor. A master of trick trumpet techniques, playing trumpet with the left hand, playing two trumpets at once. Clark played in Count Basie’s band and Duke Ellington’s orchestra and created a unique style. He could play all the plunger mutes in an original fashion, and he was a scat singer without equal. With wit and humor, he was instrumental in keeping the music going in the down period of the 1970’s and 1980’s, forming a big band and traveling up and down the country inspiring young musicians who wanted to play during that time. He always took his time to talk, teach, and give musicians inspiration.”

That brought tears to my eyes. Thanks, Wynton. That was beautiful, man. It means a lot to be appreciated, especially at this time in my life. I hope you’ll all enjoy the ceremony, and even though I can’t be there in person, I’ll there with you in my heart.

So, to all of my beautiful friends everywhere, I hope you’re enjoying each day. Good days or bad days, as long as we have days, we are blessed. And I want you to know that I appreciate your phone calls, cards, letters, visits, and all of your posts on my website. Gwen reads everything to me, and it always lifts my spirits. Your love helps me to keep on keepin’ on! Absolutely.

That’s Gabriel Solis shooting the breeze with me. He came to visit from Illinois and we had a great time. He’s a huge jazz fan, doing a book on T (Thelonious Monk).
Photo Credit: Gwen Terry

I had a fantastic time with Paula Pesmen. She flew down from Denver to hang out with me, and discuss the progress of the documentary about my love for mentoring young musicians – Keep On Keepin’ On. My dear, dear friend Q (Quincy Jones) is the Executive Producer, and there’s a whole team of talented people working on it. I can’t wait until it’s ready! If you want to see the trailer, click here.

I’d love to answer questions that weren’t discussed in my autobiography. Just post them below, or in my Guestbook, and I’ll do an audio answer for you in my next blog, like I did in my previous one.

Take care, and remember that I love you all!

Clark Terry

 (p.s. from Gwen: If you’d like to make a donation to Clark’s designated fund through JFA, please click here. We appreciate your kindness very much. Thank you for helping with Clark’s 24-hour-care expenses, so he can be at home to continue his greatest passion – teaching his students. May God bless you.)

A lesson with my student, Quincy Cavers
Photo Credit: Gwen Terry

There’s so much that I enjoy sharing about the music. Mainly, the interpretation of the jazz language – which notes to ghost (hit lightly) and which to accent; having enough air to give respect to each note time-wise and linear-wise; how and when to slur or “flip” a note; playing in tune; how to create and incorporate solos. Things like that. One thing is for sure, if you don’t have enough air, you can’t blow the notes. I always say, “Fill up before you fluff out.”

I encourage my students to listen to the rhythm of a tap dancer. Listen to the accents. You don’t hear, “tap, tap, tap” with every step having the same emphasis. You hear, “Whap! Doo-BOP-shoo-GOW!” It’s the same with jazz phrasing. And that “doodle-tonguing,” well I could write a book about that. I did my best to write some concise techniques in my Terry Tunes book on that subject.

I’m proud of all of my students. Each and every one of them! They are the greatest joy in my life, and I love to share techniques and tidbits with them.  I’m happy to say that my student, Justin Kauflin, got signed recently for a world tour (Global Gumbo) with Quincy Jones. Q, as you know, was my first student back when he was a young teenager. Click here to check out Q’s tour artists, including Justin.

Talking about gratitude, I appreciate all my dear friends around the world. Thank you for your kind gifts, prayers, and well wishes. I’m sending a BIG thank-you to Arild Wideroe who spearheaded a drive to help out with my 24-hour care  – ten grand. When I found out he and some of our mutual friends had sent such a fantastic birthday gift to my account at JFA (Jazz Foundation of America), I was bowled over! I’m so blessed to have friends who give me the courage to keep on keepin’ on. Absolutely! Especially with me being an o-l-d fart. It really meant a lot! God bless you all.

I always enjoy hearing from my friends. The other day, Alan Matheson called and asked me how I was doing, I said, “I’m glad to be a round, since I don’t want to be a square.” You know, I learned a long time ago that laughter makes the whole scene better.  A cat named Shorty Mac taught me that on my first road gig with the Reuben and Cherry Carnival. I wrote about him in my book. A real fun cat. Thanks for that advice, Shorty Mac. I’ll never forget our friendship!

One of my old-time friends, a cat named Lennie Sogoloff, checked on me the other day. He used to run Lennie’s on the Turnpike a while back. Nice club in Massachusetts. He said, “Hey, Clark. You still have a bar bill.” I told him, “Put it on Phil Woods’ tab!” We cracked up. Then we caught up with the happenings, and reminisced about the days when I played at his club. Click here for a nice write-up about it.

I hope you’ve all been enjoying 2013, and finding things to laugh about.  I had a good report from my doctor recently, and I went to my dentist to have my teeth cleaned. I told Gwen, “That technician poked, and scraped and dug around in my mouth a while! She dug some of the mf’s out, but I think she left some in there.” So much for my New Year’s resolution to cut out the cussing. I guess you can’t hurry up and change an old fart like me. But, at least, I’m doing better.

Gwen and I just celebrated out twenty-first wedding anniversary on Valentines Day. I chose that day so I wouldn’t forget. It’s worked most of the time. She and Quincy Cavers surprised me with a gospel trio. I really enjoyed it. Nice bunch of cats, and some great music. It reminded me of my old days at Corinthian Baptist Church.

I sang along while they played. What a beautiful anniversary gift!
Left to right: Joey Davis (p), Donny “DJ” Haywood (dr), and James “Dino” Smith (b)
Photo Credit: Gwen Terry

Back when Terri Lyne Carrington was around ten years old, I was honored to have some involvement with her career. I’ve always been so proud of her, and I’m looking forward to checking out her new CD – Money Jungle.  I’m sure it’s a gas. Fortunately, I had the pleasure of playing a bit on it. I wasn’t really “up to snuff” on the trumpet, but I did my best for her. When I did my Mumbles thing, we all had a ball! Click here for more info.

A bunch of my friends said that they didn’t catch the 2013 broadcast of my quintet at Joe Segal’s Jazz Showcase in Chicago on New Year’s Eve back in ’89. We did that set live on WBGO and NPR back then. We had Red Holloway, Willie “The Picker” Pickens, Larry Gray and Charles Braughan swinging all night long. Man, I miss Brother Red!

When I told my friends at WBGO about you all missing the broadcast, they sent me a link where you can listen. In case you want to dig it. click here.

“Brother” Red Holloway and me, hanging out in the early 90’s.
Photo Credit: Gwen Terry

Answers For Your Questions:

You know, I had a limited number of pages to cover your concerns when I wrote my autobiography. Since some of you still had questions, I promised to try to answer one on each blog from now on. This time, I chose one from my Guestbook. It was posted on 1/1/13 from Bruce J. Green. He wrote, “During the 1950’s you participated in a jam session with vocalist Dinah Washington; your fellow trumpet players on the session were Maynard Ferguson and Clifford Brown. My question is simple: What was Clifford Brown like to play with? Likewise, what was it like to play with Maynard Ferguson? “

Thanks for your question, man. I’m going to try something different  – an audio response. That’s Gwen’s voice you’ll hear along with mine, and Quincy Cavers did the engineering.  I appreciate them for helping me out with this new-fangled technology. If you all dig this audio answer idea, let me know and I’ll do it, again. Click to listen to the answer to Bruce’s question.

Until next time, I hope you’ll keep a sense of humor when facing challenges. That definitely helps me to enjoy life. That, and continuing to uplift the young folks – whether they’re musicians or whatever they doing. Here’s a photo of my next door neighbor’s son – Kyle Coleman. He came by to tell me about his football team’s victory. They won the championship game at the GoDaddy.com Bowl! Two championships in one family – Kyle’s and his father’s. Monte Coleman (Kyle’s father) is head coach of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Golden Lions football team. Monte’s team won the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) championship, and he was Coach of the Year.

Kyle plays receiver for Arkansas State University’s Red Wolves. We had a ball shooting the breeze. Congratulations, Kyle, on your team’s championship!
Photo Credit: Gwen Terry

Take care, and remember that I love you all very much, and I thank Big Prez for you!
Clark

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

He was talking on the phone with one of his friends who expressed how sorry he was that Clark had gone through so much – losing his legs and all. Clark responded, “Don’t worry, just keep pulling for me.”

On one of his particularly challenging days, I asked what would help him to feel better. He said, “Love. All the love from you and everybody. It makes me feel like you all still need me.”

You can see how much you mean to him. Each message that you post, and all of your prayers, phone calls, cards, and visits have helped to give him the courage to “keep on keepin’ on.” We appreciate you all so very much, and we hope that you’ll stay in touch.

His friend Bob Montgomery came from Denver to visit. Between doses of Clark’s pain medication, they talked about Clark’s book, reminisced about their road trips when Bob played trumpet in Clark’s Big Bad Band, and the years that Bob organized, supervised and participated in the Clark Terry Jazz Camps that were held in Oklahoma and Kansas.

Bob said, “I remember those long bus rides when I was in his band. I sat across the aisle from him, and when I’d doze off, he’d wake me up so we could talk. I loved traveling with him. He told some great stories, and a lot of them are in his autobiography. It’s a great book!”

I left them alone for a while, and when I went back to see if they needed anything, Bob and Clark were all smiles. Bob said, “He sang all of the words to ‘Squeeze Me,’ and he was buzzing a little (a lip-vibration exercise for strengthening chops). He went on to say, “Clark still has a perfect embouchure, and his mind is as sharp as ever.” For more information about Bob, please visit: www.dmamusic.org/bobmontgomery

Here’s a photo (left to right) of Bob, Clark and Quincy Cavers who is one of Clark’s students, a travel assistant, and one of his home health aides.

When Clark is able, he’s looking forward to teaching his students in person and via Skype. Last September, prior to the barrage of challenges with his legs, he enjoyed giving his first Skype lesson to a student in Australia. He said, “That computer is something else, man! I was here and he was there. A real talented kid. Plays trumpet. He learned how to ‘doodle-tongue’ in thirty minutes. It was great!”

Clark is getting stronger daily, and we are forever grateful for your love. Please keep him in your prayers.

Blessings,
Gwen

The next day he was hit with the news that his dear friend “Brother” Red Holloway had passed away in California. Clark was quite saddened. After a while, he said, “I’ve lost one of the best friends that I’ve ever had. He was like a brother to me.” They had been in touch with each other until two weeks ago, when Red called and said that he was going to a rehabilitation hospital, and he would call back later. Clark said, “I’m really going to miss him. We spent lots of time together. Played lots of gigs.”

The last time that they played together was at the “2007 Clark Terry Jazz Festival,” sponsored by the Department of Music at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. As one of the featured celebrity artists on stage and in master classes, Red brought the house down with his signature rendition of “Locksmith Blues.” To hear an earlier recording of it, click here.

Hours later, while Clark was trying to accept the sad news about Red, we were told that Maurice Andre had passed away in France. Clark couldn’t talk about it initially. Later he said, “Maurice was a great trumpeter. A great musician. One of my all-time favorites. We had a lot of respect and admiration for each other.” To see one of Maurice’s youTube performances, click here.

Maurice’s quote that is published within the first few pages of Clark’s autobiography says, “The one I admire without restriction is Clark Terry, whose pronunciation at the trumpet or bugle is a model of sharpness, clearness, and authority. A model which is given with generosity to all of those who want to play this instrument…the way it should be played.”

In the midst of recuperating from surgery, to have heard such sad news was quite challenging for Clark, as you can imagine, especially since it had only been a month earlier when he’d heard the news that his long-time friend John Levy had passed away just months before his one-hundredth birthday. Clark said, “John was such a beautiful cat. A master musician and a beautiful friend.” If you’d like to post a remembrance message for John, please visit www.lushlife.com.

When Mike Vax drove from Tyler, Texas on Sunday, between gigs from his multi-state clinic tour, to visit with Clark in the hospital, it was truly a God-send. Clark’s face lit up when he heard Mike’s voice and they hugged each other. They talked about the days back in the ‘70’s when they were on tour with Clark’s Big Bad Band, laughing about some of the road challenges they had gone through, and the incredible times they’d shared.

It was exactly what Clark needed to lift his spirit. Mike shared some CD’s of recordings they had made, made speakerphone calls to some of their friends, played his trumpet, and talked about how much he loves Clark’s book. He said, “I was cracking up when I read the first few chapters. It reads like you’re sitting there talking to me, Clark.  I wanted to bring it with me on this tour, but Peg (his wife) wanted to read it, too. So, I’m going to download a copy on my computer.” For more information about Mike, please visit his website at: www.mikevax.net.

Clark and Mike Vax

Mike was very complimentary of Clark’s Van Dyke beard, and he took lots of photos. He didn’t ask about Clark’s missing front tooth that mysteriously disappeared about a month ago. When I asked Clark where it was, he said, “I ate it.” I asked him how it tasted, and he said, “Stale.”

I found out later that he didn’t really eat it, but no one knew where it was. It was an old implant that had come out several times before, so I guess we’ll make a visit to his dentist when Clark is home and feeling better.

Mike and I shared some of the posts on Clark’s website, which always makes Clark smile, and we discussed the rehabilitation that has been recommended by Dr. Simmie Armstrong. Rehab is necessary to help improve Clark’s upper-body strength and provide new maneuvering techniques. Clark said, “I can do those exercises at home,” but we encouraged him to work with the professionals at the hospitals for maximum results. Finally, after a very long discussion, Clark said, “Okay, I’ll do it.”

Please join us in prayer for the families of Red, Maurice, and John, as we remember them and continue to celebrate their incredible contributions in music. Also, please continue praying for Clark’s recovery, and know that your posts on his website make a huge impact toward keeping his spirit high.

We love you, and we thank God for you all!

Blessings,
Gwen

After we prayed about it, Clark said that he wanted to talk with his doctors one more time. Dr. Simmie Armstrong and Dr. Heather LeBlanc explained the pros and cons, and that waiting any longer would be life-threatening. Later, when we discussed their recommendations, Clark said, “Well, let’s do what we’ve got to do and get it done!”

His high spirits were amazing when he was admitted into the hospital on Wednesday, February 15th, with surgery planned for next week. Honestly, it is phenomenal to witness his awesome passion for overcoming health challenges. He said, “It’s not easy. Believe me! But quitting is not an option. Never has been and never will be. I know that Big Prez (his nickname for God) is with me. Been with me all of my life.”

One of his students, Quincy Cavers, said, “Whenever I get bogged down, I think about Cee Tee and how he handles things, then I feel like I can make it. He’s such an inspiration.”

While I was with him last night in his room, one of his nurses told him that she had seen his “Mumbles” video on his website. When she asked him if he still sings “Mumbles,” he said, “Once a mumbler, always a mumbler.”

Last week, Kevin Padian and John “Faithful” Simon came to visit Clark at home. They were both raving about Clark’s book. Kevin is a curator and a paleontology professor at the University of California. He is also one of their editorial board members who voted for the publication of Clark’s book. He said, “Clark has always been my favorite jazz trumpeter of all time.”

John (pictured on the left above) is mentioned several times in Clark’s book for standing beside him through many health challenges. “I had to come and spend some time with him. He means a lot to me.” John and Quincy moved the keyboard from the living room so that they could play some music for Clark in our bedroom. He was smiling a lot, and singing along with the tunes they played – John on flute and keyboard, and Quincy on sax. John’s website can be viewed at www.johndavidsimon.com. They had a great time for hours!

When we learned that Terri Lyne Carrington had won a Grammy in the “Best Jazz Vocal Album” category for her latest CD – “The Mosaic Project,” Clark called her and said, “I’m so proud of you! I love you and God bless you!” She’s mentioned in his book as a “power hitter.” Their relationship goes back to when she was a little girl, and it’s always a joy to see the big smiles on his face when he talks with her. For information about her award-winning recording, please visit www.terrilynecarrington.com.

We hope that you all had a great Valentine’s Day. We celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary at home on the 14th, and it was filled with love, complete with gorgeous flowers, loving phone calls and thoughtful gifts from friends and family. I bought us a four-foot teddy bear, and he got a b-i-g kick out of it. He was sooooo happy as I read him your wonderful cards and website posts. When I finished, he said, “I’m very thankful to Big Prez for sending me so much love!”

We plan to have our anniversary photo done at a later time when he’s feeling better. In the meantime, please join me in staying positive as we continue our prayers for his healing.

Blessings and love,
Gwen

We’re all grateful to God that he’s improving daily. He says, “My biggest challenge, now, is keeping up with my physical therapy.” He smiled before continuing, “I don’t have any ‘shipiphany’ in the house. I’m gonna keep on looking for it until I find it, and then I’ll continue my exercises.”

For the first time in a while, he’s in a joking mood as you can see. There have been no new developments that could require another hospitalization, so I’m sure he’ll do what he should to build up his stamina. He has told me not to make a big fuss about it. He said, “I’ll lace up my bootstraps and wade on through when I’m ready.” The word “feisty” would be an understatement. We can all tell that he’s truly feeling better, and we thank God for that!

As I read each of your messages to him, the smiles on his face are very telling of the joy that you’re bringing. He loves to hear that you’re enjoying his book and his music. Hearing about the fond memories of times that you’ve spent with him really lifts his spirits, too. We sincerely appreciate all of your well wishes and loving prayers.

On February 14^th, we’ll be celebrating our twentieth wedding anniversary! Since we met twenty-two years ago, we’ve had a great time being on the “merry-go-round” (as he calls it) of Clark’s gigs, and sharing the company of so many incredibly wonderful people. We’re looking forward to many more years together. We’d like for you to celebrate with us, and we hope to see you soon.

The only anniversary gift I’ve requested from him is that we have a photo taken together. When I asked what he would like, he said, “All I want is you, and to stay out of that hospital.”

Please keep the posts coming. They are so healing!

Blessings and love,
Gwen

On Thursday afternoon, I met with Dr. Jacqueline Frigon who is the head doctor for the physical rehabilitation wing of the hospital where Clark has been for the past few months. When she informed me about her recommendation for his release, I closed my eyes and said a prayer of thanks to God! I thanked Him for all of the doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and personal health aides – and especially for Dr. Simmie Armstrong (Clark’s Primary Care Physician) who stuck with us all the way and never gave up.

Your love helped us to get to this point! The visits, cards, phone calls, tributes, news articles, and messages posted on Clark’s site and on your Facebook pages have been so encouraging. We are deeply grateful, and we thank God for the miracle of Clark being able to continue his recuperation at home.

We’ll do our very best to make him comfortable and assist with his exercise routines. Professional services such as Home Care Nurses will visit three times a week to help with additional medical necessities between doctor’s appointments.

He was also excited when I told him that Celine Peterson is doing a web radio tribute to him this coming Sunday, January 15^th at 10:00 p.m. EST on JAZZ.FM91. As many of you know, she is the daughter of Oscar and Kelly Peterson, and she’s also Clark’s goddaughter. Please click here to read all about it in JazzTimes magazine.

Please click here to listen. We wish you the best, Celine!

Last weekend, I attended the Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. It was phenomenal!

There were lots of musicians in attendance, more than one hundred vendor tables and exhibits, plenty of workshops, panel discussions, presentations, and some really great jazz. Friends that I hadn’t seen in a long time were there to personally deliver their heartfelt sentiments for Clark.

Hundreds of people stopped by our “Clark Terry Autobiography” table, and our friends, Sherry Witt and Dawn DeBlaze, were there to help. Everyone wrote well wishes for Clark on a huge canvas that was eight feet by four feet, which I plan to make into an incredible wall banner. We photographed friends and fans holding Clark’s 2010 Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award, and we sold dozens of his autobiography which had his authentic “thumbprint” autograph. Our first sale was to saxophonist, Bobby Watson.

David Baker honored us by autographing his wonderful book – “David Baker: A Legacy in Music.” Afterwards, he went to a really nice celebration of his 80^th birthday. We wish you many happy returns, David! I can’t wait to share your book with Clark.

On Saturday, just before the exhibits were closed, we had a drawing for a free copy of Clark’s book. It began with a blues serenade acapella by Chad Carter – “Hello Little Girl,” which we all enjoyed tremendously! Chad’s mentor is Ernie Andrews who is a true master, as we all know.

Our volunteer for the drawing was Monika Herzig, the author/pianist who worked with David on his book. As people gathered around, we all watched while she closed her eyes and rummaged through the dozens of entries. Finally, she drew a winner – Steve Wiest – Director of the North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band, and a multiple Grammy-nominated composer and trombonist. Someone located him a few minutes later and when he claimed his prize book, he said, “I’ve never won anything in my life!” Congratulations, Steve.

Although most of my time was spent at our table, I did have a chance to catch a few performances, including one with Laila Smith (vocalist) and Chase Morrin (pianist). Those two young musicians are quite talented, and I hope that Clark will get to hear them.

On the last night of the conference, I attended a tribute to the great Benny Carter on his centennial anniversary. Mel Martin and the Benny Carter Tribute Band performed, featuring Bobby Watson, Steve Kirby, Jeff Mars and Don Friedman. They were absolutely awesome! Don has played with Clark for more than fifty years.

When I returned home, Clark and I had a great time as I filled him in on the details of the JEN Conference. He said, “I hope to be there next year.”

Please pray that he’ll keep on keepin’ on and attend the 2013 JEN Conference!

Blessings and love,
Gwen

I asked him what his New Year’s resolution was and he said, “To keep on keepin’ on.”  As he continues to improve, he’s not missing a beat. He’s been giving lessons to some of his students in person and over the phone, and encouraging friends with health challenges. His longtime friend Red Holloway suffered a stroke a few months ago, but was recently released from a hospital in California. Clark said, “Hang on in there, Brother Red. That’s what we’ve got to do.”

We hope you’ll join us in praying for Red Holloway and others who are sick. Your prayers are miraculous! They have certainly helped Clark. Please keep them coming.

When Clark’s autobiography was released by the University of California Press, I told him that we’d received many requests for him to autograph his new book. He has arthritis in his hands and has difficulty in holding a pen. He said, “Well, I can’t write, but I’ve got thumbs.” So, we’ve had a lot of fun helping him to place his thumbprint on the inside page. On this photo that I took in his hospital room a few weeks ago, our friend George Pettigrew was there to help with the “thumbprint project.”

On January 6, 2012, a few hundred copies of his “thumbprinted” autobiography will be available at the Jazz Education Network convention in Louisville, Kentucky. Since Clark isn’t able to attend, he asked that I go and represent him. So, I’ll be there along with our friends, Dawn DeBlaze and Sherry Witt. Please go to the home page of Clark’s site and click on “The Book” to read the wonderful book reviews that he has received. And if you happen to attend the JEN convention, please stop by our table which is #2 (close the Visitor Bureau table) to say hello and sign the “surprise get well book” for Clark.

We hope that 2012 will bring you prosperity and joy, and realization of your dreams. Of course, it is our dream that Clark will be able to come home soon. If you have a few moments, please continue to post your messages in his Guest Book. Your comments make him so happy, and they keep him feeling “connected” to you. Your words are truly appreciated, and I look forward to reading them to him.

Blessings and hugs,
Gwen

With a team of dedicated doctors, God’s grace, and your encouragement, Clark is fighting his way through every health challenge that has been thrown in his path. It is truly amazing to witness his incredible courage. During the weekdays, his physical therapists have been assisting him with exercise routines in his hospital room. His leg is healing, although it’s a slower process than usual due to the complications of diabetes. In spite of a series of recent obstacles, Clark quoted Admiral David Farragut, “‘Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!’”

Some of his beloved students came to celebrate his 91^st birthday – Justin Kauflin, Alan Hicks, Quincy Cavers, and Cameron “Cinnamon” MacManus. They brought some of their friends with them – Ryan Hicks, Adam Hart, and Rory Anderson. Justin’s seeing-eye-dog Candy was right there in the mix, too, along with Clark’s health aides, nurses, doctors, and our family. Justin (piano), Alan (drums), Cinnamon (trombone) and Quincy (saxophone) serenaded Clark with some of his original tunes and other favorites. He made sure that the tempos were right by tapping his fingers on the bed rails. It was a great time for all with a birthday cake, flowers, balloons and the music that we all love – jazz.

Clark was so happy when I read your hundreds of heartfelt prayers and loving messages that were posted on his site. Please keep them coming because he so enjoys hearing from you.

There were many wonderful activities around the world which added to the birthday smiles on his face – radio tributes; concerts dedicated to him; news articles in magazines, newspapers and blogs; original compositions created for him; and more book reviews with favorable comments about his new autobiography. Tuba player Marc Lindy organized the unofficial re-naming of a main thoroughfare in Vancouver, Canada. Alan Matheson joined Marc as friends and fellow musicians gathered around “Clark Terry Drive” which was complete with a flugel horn on the sign! (Special thanks to W.D. Worden for use of his photo)

When I asked Clark how he felt about all of the birthday accolades and prayers, he said, “Blessed. I feel very, very blessed. I appreciate all of those beautiful vibes, and I love everybody. Every one of them.

“I’m thanking Big Prez for letting me see another birthday and Christmas. I’m praying hard and doing everything I can do to be able to celebrate the New Year.”

We hope that this holiday season continues to be filled with love and peace for everyone. It is our prayer that you are enjoying these special days with your family and friends, and that you are feeling our spirit with you as you gather together. We can certainly feel your presence with all of the love that you’re sending our way. Thank you so much!

Blessings and Happy New Year,
Gwen