Happy 86th Birthday Clark Terry - Dec 14

Lois Gilbert · December-9th-2006, 12:44 AM

If you post your birthday message here, on December 14th, we'll be reading them and emailing them to Clark. Also please visit his beautiful site at Clark Terry.com

hornplayer · December-9th-2006, 01:10 AM

I love Clark Terry! the man, the musician, the teacher! He is so amazing on every level..

I want to wish my fellow Sag the best birthday, EVAH!!!!

Who Be Boo, Baby??????

Have a great day, CT!

Sandi22 · December-9th-2006, 02:04 AM

I knew Clark Terry and I can tell you, without a doubt, that this is one nice and talented man. He is the best and one we all can take pride in for his good heart as well as his way with that horn of his.

I spent time with him off and on as a teenager. He would sometimes sit at my table and have his coffee breaks with me and when I finally had the last surgery on my foot which allowed me to throw down my crutches after 6 years of being on them, it was Clark Terry who put his arms around me in a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. He was as happy for me as I was for myself. He acted so cute. He kept his arm around me while all the fellows in the band, in turn, congratulated me and gave me more kisses on the cheek. Clark just never let go. His good thoughts meant so much to me.

When he quit the band in Hermosa Beach at the Lighthouse to go do studio work, he made a point of coming over and sitting with me, telling me he wanted to make sure he told me goodbye, that he had enjoyed knowing me. What a nice gesture. I don't see how he could have enjoyed knowing me as much as I enjoyed knowing him and hearing him play over the years. I wish he could know how I feel about him. He is special.

I caught Clark's appearance on Ramsey Lewis's PBS show and did I ever enjoy seeing him again. Wish it could have been in person. His music and his friendship helped me through some hard times when I was just a kid, fighting to keep from having my leg amputated. He and the other fellows could have never known how much their kindnesses meant to me. I still think of them often and with great affection. I mean they meant a lot to me and they still do.

(addition) I'll be posting on his birthday if my computer stays up and running, our weather plays havoc on our lines at times, so I hope that with the coming storm that it doesn't go down. If it should, everyone give Clark my love and my best wishes for a well deserved Happy Birthday!

wiseone2 · December-9th-2006, 05:48 AM

Greetings and Happy Birthday from Brooklyn.
I am joining the elder Sages myself on December 21. We need to get Jimmy Owens, Donald Byrd, Randy Brecker and yours truly, Wilmer Wise, a gig somewhere so we can hang like the old days at Jim and Andy's

Happy Birthday, Clark

Wilmer

mikeos · December-9th-2006, 07:53 AM

I met and spoke briefly to Clark at the Nice Jazz festival in the 80s, and a lovely and gentle guy he is too, so many happy returns Clark, and it's not much of a present but here is a picture I took at that festival.

dow30 · December-9th-2006, 08:00 PM

Happy Birthday, CT! Love you always and Keep on Mumblin'!

CYA soon.

Kim

jeandarc824 · December-9th-2006, 11:10 PM

And thanks for the memories. You were part of my record collection in the 60's, 70's and right up to the present (tho "records" are now CDs).

Bless you for the beauty you have brought to so many lives.

Joan Quarles

Lois Gilbert · December-11th-2006, 01:52 PM

Don't forget...

Dr Dave · December-11th-2006, 05:39 PM

Been a long time since "Seranade To A Bus Seat." Happy Birthday and many more. When I grow up I wanna be just like you! PS: Is Sylvia, you know, married? If so, does she fool around?

All The Best!

Dave Erickson

Mike Schwartz · December-11th-2006, 11:38 PM

Getting to sit and visit with you, Clark, to tape a radio interview a few years ago when you were out playing & teaching at the Stanford Jazz Workshop, is among the absolute high points of my experiences.

The numerous times I've seen you perform, not once did you ever miss the mark.
Simply stated, one of the all time greats!

When other musicians that worked with you that I've spoken to hear your name, like Brook and Louie Bellson to name a couple, the praise and love and respect they talk about has no limits.

Last year at IAJE, it was especially nice that you and your brother, Bob Brookmeyer did a session together. The Clark Terry/Bob Brookmeyer small group that you guys had back in the day was a swingin' outfit if there ever was one ,with such great arrangments, and projected fun at every turn!

When I was a kid, when I watched the NY based Johnny Carson/ Tonite Show, I would pray that they would play "Stump The Band" and call on CT!!

God Bless and many happy returns.

Mike Schwartz
KSJS/www.ksjs.org
San Jose, CA

edpack · December-12th-2006, 01:18 AM

Happy Birthday, Mr. Terry. We heard you play at Ramapo College just about a year ago, and it was one of the most memorable nights of music I have ever had. Thank you so much for all the great music over the years.
At the concert, you mentioned a couple of times that "the golden years suck!". Well, I hope yours are comfortable and happy.

Sincerely,
Ed and Mary Packer

hornplayer · December-12th-2006, 02:15 AM

Hey, CT! I spoke with Eddie Johnson today for HIS b'day, and we were talkin' 'bout you! He said to pass along his birthday greetings, as well as my own!

Valerie · December-12th-2006, 11:02 AM

Dear One: I have loved and appreciated you for well over 45 years now and you are more handsome than ever as well!! I know you love hearing that!! Never lose that twinkle in your eyes and smile. I look forward to seeing you next month.

May you continue in good health and happiness for many years to come!!

Love,

Valerie Bishop

P.S. And thanks for introducing me to sake martinis in the '60s at either the Hickory House bar or a Japanese restaurants. They were so potent that I can't remember which place it was!!

mtaylorjazz · December-12th-2006, 11:53 AM

Clark Terry was, and is, one of the biggest influences I've had as a brass player and an instrumentalist. Listening to him play as a struggling french hornist trying to figure out if the music I wanted to make could be played on the instrument I'd chosen, it was Clark's effortless virtuosity and the sense of fun that permeated his playing that gave me something to shoot for.

Getting to meet him, however briefly, backstage at Northsea several years ago (I was there with Max Roach's So What Brass) was one of the highlights of my career.

Mark

clinthopson · December-12th-2006, 01:20 PM

Happy 86th to a true jazz giant with awesome chops and a sense of humor to match.

lament12 · December-13th-2006, 12:43 AM

Clark, There's no nicer time than your birthday to remember a special person like you. I am JJ Johnson's wife Carolyn, JJ spoke so highly of you.

With all good wishes.
Happy Birthday!!

Have a wonderful holiday season.

Ron Thorne · December-13th-2006, 12:47 AM

I've never had the pleasure of hearing or seeing Clark Terry in-person . . . yet. However, I have wonderful memories of seeing and hearing Clark create sparks within the Tonight Show band for many years.

I extend the warmest 86th birthday wish from a pretty cool place . . . Anchorage, Alaska, where my 86 year-old mother-in-law and father-in-law will soon join us for an overnight visit.

Your legacy as a superb musician, jazz ambassador and teacher is secured.

All the best now and forever.

Ron~

Ron Thorne · December-13th-2006, 12:58 AM

Here's an interview from NPR from January, 2005. There are a couple of other worthwhile related interviews on the same page.

Lois Gilbert · December-13th-2006, 02:51 AM

I spoke to Clark's wife Gwen tonight, and Clark has no idea about these birthday blessings we're going to read to him, so please keep them coming.

Peace and blessings and light
Lois

jlabor1 · December-13th-2006, 04:20 PM

Happy Birthday to Clark Terry. Greetings from UAPB and PB, AR
sign:
jlabor1, M4

Adjunct

Lois Gilbert · December-14th-2006, 08:13 AM

You have till 10pm tonight!

José Domingos Raffaelli · December-14th-2006, 10:46 AM

Mr. Clark Terry, congratulations for your birthday.
You can't remember me, but we met in Rio de Janeiro, in 1996, when you played here in the Free Jazz Festival.

You're one of the nicest and gentle men that I ever met. Of course, I knew you through records and concerts, but at that time I had the great pleasure to interview you for the main Brazilian newspaper.

Although you can't remember, let me add that I'd gave you a photo taken at your concert in Rio. It is a very funny photo showing the moment when you put the mouthpiece of your flugelhorn in the nose after your solo.

Happiness, many blessings and keep playing greater as ever.

José Domingos Raffaelli
Rio de Janeiro - Brasil

Sandi22 · December-14th-2006, 05:46 PM

Happy Birthday my friend~once again!

I'm so happy to be have this site to relate my wishes to and for you, and to remember your many little kindnesses, to me, from you, when I was a teenaged girl. You'll never know how all of you helped me through some traumatic times and how your music was so good to hear, your music could be fun or be good for ones soul. Both actually.

You lit up the room, and still do from all I've seen and heard. I had hoped to attend your New Years party last/this year, but there's no way I could make it, even though your manager offered me a seat reserved for your friends. I would have loved to have been there.

I've enjoyed you through these many long years since the Lighthouse days. and I've loved seeing so many accolades being heaped on you. They're deserved.

You've blessed all of us with your outlook, and your talent, your great music, and I want you to know how I myself have always felt about you. It's odd, but I take a pride in all of your accomplishments. In how everyone loves you.

Again, Happy Birthday and enjoy!

Saundra

Lois Gilbert · December-15th-2006, 05:32 AM

Well, I read the letters to Clark as promised and he kept on saying no kidding... isn't that nice...wow... he repeated Dr. Dave's comment about Sylvia to everyone in the room.

He was very touched and actually quite astonished that so many of you took the time to send him a greeting. He remembered the incident in Rio, and he remembered you Sandi and Carolyn - he just couldn't believe that you wrote him.

Now you can all help me with Clark's birthday present which I found out tonight is DVDs of his old sparring partner Archie Moore's fights. I don't know where to begin.

Thanks again, it was a beautiful moment and we'll put up all his birthday greetings and blessings on his website shortly.

Peace and light
Lois

Sandi22 · December-15th-2006, 12:38 PM

Thanks Lois.

Great to hear he enjoyed his Birthday greetings.

It meant a lot to let Clark know how I always felt about him.

I talked to Stan not long before he left, and I didn't even learn from him that he was so sick. It was nice being able to remember some old times, Stan telling me about his two sons, both being Doctors. He was so proud of them.

The fellows at the Lighthouse were special, and it was nice to be able to let him know how much he means to us, to me.

Just what is it you're trying to find about Boxing? Archie Moore fights? DVD's of those?

Lois Gilbert · December-15th-2006, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandi22

Just what is it you're trying to find about Boxing? Archie Moore fights? DVD's of those?

0

Yes Sandi. Thank you.

Sandi22 · December-15th-2006, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lois Gilbert

0

Yes Sandi. Thank you.

You're welcome Lois,

I sent you a page from a search, there's lots of information about it. I didn't go on site to see if any of them are still available, but it's a start for you.

I went to your web page and sent it to that email address.

Good luck.

Lois Gilbert · December-16th-2006, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandi22

You're welcome Lois,

I sent you a page from a search, there's lots of information about it. I didn't go on site to see if any of them are still available, but it's a start for you.

I went to your web page and sent it to that email address.

Good luck.

Hi Sandi

did you send to lois@jazzcorner.com?

I didn't receive it, so maybe you could send me a PM.

Thanks Sandi. It sound like through some tragedies, you found the blessings

Peace and light
Lois

Sandi22 · December-16th-2006, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lois Gilbert

Hi Sandi

did you send to lois@jazzcorner.com?

I didn't receive it, so maybe you could send me a PM.

Thanks Sandi. It sound like through some tragedies, you found the blessings

Peace and light
Lois

Yes, that's where I sent it. Sent a PM and hope it comes through, I had to delete a lot of the addresses, but it gives you and idea of what's there. Not sure just which fight he's looking for, so couldn't narrow it down.

I remember thinking Clark would become the band leader on the Tonight Show when Skitch Henderson left, and I still believe it should have been given to Clark as his talent was so much greater, and his style so much more enjoyable. It was alway his arrangements and playing before and afterwards which really caught everyone up.

I love the photo of him on his web site, the one portrait syle photo. They say you get the face in life which you deserve due to how you live your life. Look at Clark. Isn't that great? The depth of character, the intelligence, his humor, and the kindness show, it's all there.

costa1522 · December-16th-2006, 08:24 PM

Dear Clark Terry:

You played for many years with my dad, Sonny Costanzo. I am his youngest daughter, Carla Costanzo-Lesh. After his passing I discovered many photos of his musical career. The majority of that included yourself and my dad. I wish you health and a very happy birthday. You look terrific. Keep playing!!!!!

Sincere and Best Wishes

Carla Costanzo-Lesh