Kenny Clarke
Drummer
Kenny Clarke Rank
About Kenny Clarke
This Pittsburgh-native was born ahead of his time as he was known to produce experimental musical ideas. Kenny Clarke was the co-founder of the bebop drum style which inspired a generation of drummers like Art Blakey and Max Roach.
Background
Young Clarke was placed in a foster home after his mother died. He started playing the snare drum at the age of nine. By high school, he was playing a number of musical instruments, including piano, trombone, drums, and vibraphone. He moved to New York in 1935 to pursue his music career.
Career
By 1946, Clarke was part of Dizzy Gillespie's band and they toured Europe. He finally settled in Paris in 1956 and by then Clarke had developed his modern jazz sound. Using the cymbals and drums, he formed a light yet persuasive sound which intrigued his audience. He worked with notable artists like Miles Davis, Jacques Hélian' and Stan Getz. Clarke Clarke formed the Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band in 1961 and actively toured the world until 1972.
This music icon taught jazz at the University of Pittsburgh from 1979 and continued to perform until 1984.
Personal Life
He married Daisy Wallbach in 1962 and by 1964 they had a son, Laurent.
Death
Clarke died in 1985 of a heart attack at the age of 71.
Kenny Clarke Rank
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F.A.Q. about Kenny Clarke
When is his birthday?
Kenny Clarke's birthday is on January 9, 1914.
In how many days is his birthday?
Kenny's birthday is in 341 days
How old was Kenny when he died?
He was 71 years old.
When did he die?
He died in January 26, 1985.
How old would he be today?
Kenny Clarke would be 111 years old if he was alive today.
Where was Kenny from?
He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S..