Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kenny Clarke

How Kenny Clarke built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Kenny "Klook" Clarke was a highly influential American jazz drummer and bandleader. A key innovator in bebop drumming, Clarke revolutionized jazz rhythm by shifting the primary time-keeping role to the ride cymbal, moving away from the hi-hat's constant pulse. He also utilized the bass drum for sporadic, syncopated accents, adding a new layer of complexity and dynamism to jazz drumming. His innovations profoundly shaped the sound of bebop and modern jazz, influencing generations of drummers.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1931: Turned professional

In 1931, at the age of seventeen, Kenny Clarke began his professional music career.

1935: Move to New York City

In 1935, Kenny Clarke relocated to New York City, where he started developing his unique drumming style and building his reputation.

1936: Played with Lonnie Simmons

In 1936, Kenny Clarke played with guitarist Freddie Green in a group fronted by tenor saxophonist Lonnie Simmons, experimenting with rhythmic patterns.

April 1937: Joined Edgar Hayes's Group

In April 1937, Kenny Clarke joined Edgar Hayes's group.

1939: Joined Teddy Hill Band

In 1939, Kenny Clarke joined the Teddy Hill band at the Savoy Ballroom after Gillespie gave him an opening. He also began using the ride cymbal to keep time.

1940: Teddy Hill Band Disbanded

In 1940, the Teddy Hill Band disbanded. Clarke then worked with several other bandleaders.

1941: Hired by Hill at Minton's Playhouse

In 1941, Kenny Clarke was hired by Teddy Hill to manage the music at Minton's Playhouse in Harlem, leading to the development of bebop.

December 1947: Rejoined Gillespie's Group

In December 1947, Kenny Clarke rejoined Dizzy Gillespie's group.

1951: Recorded with Miles Davis

Between 1951 and 1954, Kenny Clarke recorded with Miles Davis, including tracks that appeared on the 1957 compilation albums Bags' Groove and Walkin', along with 1959's Miles Davis and the Modern Jazz Giants.

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1951: Return to New York

In 1951, Kenny Clarke returned to New York, where he performed with the Modern Jazz Quartet and played on early Miles Davis recordings.

1951: Toured with Billy Eckstine

In 1951, Kenny Clarke toured with Billy Eckstine and made recordings with Charlie Parker's quintet and Milt Jackson's quartet.

1952: Modern Jazz Quartet album released

In 1952, Kenny Clarke performed with the Modern Jazz Quartet and recorded for their album Modern Jazz Quartet.

1953: Recorded with the Modern Jazz Quartet

In 1953, Kenny Clarke performed with the Modern Jazz Quartet and recorded for their albums 1953: An Exceptional Encounter and Django.

1954: Recorded with Miles Davis

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1954: Newport Jazz Festival

In 1954, Kenny Clarke performed with the Modern Jazz Quartet at the first Newport Jazz Festival.

1955: Left the Modern Jazz Quartet

In 1955, Kenny Clarke left the Modern Jazz Quartet due to creative differences.

1955: Rejoined Pettiford's Group

In mid-1955, Kenny Clarke rejoined Oscar Pettiford's group at Café Bohemia and worked at Basin Street West.

September 1956: Moved to Paris

In September 1956, Kenny Clarke relocated to Paris, initially working with Jacques Hélian's orchestra.

1956: Move to Paris

In 1956, Kenny Clarke permanently moved to Paris, where he continued to perform and record with both European and visiting American musicians.

1961: Co-led Big Band

In 1961, Kenny Clarke co-led the Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band.

1961: Formed Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band

In 1961, Kenny Clarke formed the Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band with Belgian pianist Francy Boland.

1962: Kenny Clarke / Francy Boland Big Band Formation

In 1962, the Kenny Clarke / Francy Boland Big Band was formed.

1963: Recorded Our Man in Paris

In 1963, The Three Bosses, including Kenny Clarke, recorded the album Our Man in Paris with Dexter Gordon.

1966: Began Touring with Big Band

In 1966, the Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band began touring.

1971: Kenny Clarke / Francy Boland Big Band

Kenny Clarke / Francy Boland Big Band (1962–1971)

1972: Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band disbanded

In 1972, the Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band ended its run.

1972: Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band active until this year

In 1972, the Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band was active until this year.

September 1976: Gillespie's Big Band Reunion

In September 1976, Kenny Clarke went to Chicago for a reunion of Dizzy Gillespie's big band.

1983: Performed at European jazz festivals

In 1983, Kenny Clarke continued to perform at European jazz festivals.

December 1984: Last Performances

In December 1984, Kenny Clarke had his last performances during a five-night-a-week engagement.

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