coleman hawkins/clark terry

Biography

Coleman Hawkins (1904–1969), known as "Hawk" or "Bean," was a pioneering American jazz tenor saxophonist who is widely credited with establishing the tenor saxophone as a prominent solo instrument in jazz. Born in Saint Joseph, Missouri, Hawkins began playing piano and cello before switching to saxophone at age nine. By the early 1920s, he was performing with Mamie Smith's Jazz Hounds and soon joined Fletcher Henderson's orchestra in New York, where his robust, innovative style helped define the sound of big band swing. Hawkins's 1939 recording of "Body and Soul" is considered a landmark in jazz improvisation and remains one of the genre's most celebrated performances[5][7].

Clark Terry (1920–2015), born in St. Louis, Missouri, was a world-class trumpeter, flugelhornist, composer, educator, and NEA Jazz Master whose career spanned more than seventy years. After serving in the Navy during World War II, Terry rose to prominence in the bands of George Hudson, Charlie Barnet, and Count Basie, before joining Duke Ellington's orchestra in 1951, where he stayed for eight years as a featured soloist. Terry broke barriers as the first African American staff musician at NBC, performing for twelve years in the Tonight Show band. Renowned for his technical virtuosity, swinging lyricism, and signature "Mumbles" vocal style, Terry was also a passionate educator, mentoring generations of jazz musicians and founding youth jazz programs[1][2].

Hawkins and Terry collaborated memorably on the 1962 album "Back in Bean's Bag," which showcased their mutual respect and exuberant swing. Hawkins's sophisticated harmonic approach and Terry's playful, lyrical trumpet blended seamlessly, highlighting their mastery and versatility. Both artists left indelible marks on jazz, influencing countless musicians and shaping the evolution of the genre through their innovative playing, prolific recordings, and dedication to musical excellence[3][7][8].

Fun Facts

• Coleman Hawkins was nicknamed both "Hawk" and "Bean"—the latter inspired the album title 'Back in Bean's Bag'[5][3].
• Clark Terry was the first African American staff musician hired by NBC, breaking a major color barrier in American television[1][2].
• Terry's humorous vocal improvisation style, known as "Mumbles," became a signature act during his time on The Tonight Show[1][2].
• Hawkins's 1939 recording of "Body and Soul" is considered one of the most influential jazz solos ever recorded[5][7].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Fletcher Henderson - Hawkins developed his style as a member of Henderson's orchestra (Henderson Orchestra recordings) [1924–1934]
• Dr. Billy Taylor - Terry was encouraged by Taylor to support youth jazz education (Jazz Mobile initiative) [1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Duke Ellington - Terry was a featured soloist in Ellington's orchestra (Ellington Orchestra recordings) [1951–1959]
• Count Basie - Terry played in Basie's band; Hawkins recorded with Basie (Basie Orchestra performances) [1948 (Terry), 1930s–1940s (Hawkins)]
• Quincy Jones - Terry collaborated with Jones as a band member and on musical tours (Free and Easy musical) [1959–1960]
• Tommy Flanagan - Pianist on 'Back in Bean's Bag' album (Back in Bean's Bag) [1962]
• Major Holley - Bassist on 'Back in Bean's Bag' album (Back in Bean's Bag) [1962]
• Dave Bailey - Drummer on 'Back in Bean's Bag' album (Back in Bean's Bag) [1962]

Artists Influenced

• John Coltrane - Hawkins's harmonic innovations influenced Coltrane's approach (Coltrane's tenor saxophone work) [1950s–1960s]
• Miles Davis - Terry mentored Davis early in his career (Davis's early jazz recordings) [1940s]
• Quincy Jones - Terry influenced Jones's musical development (Jones's arrangements and productions) [1950s–1960s]
• Dianne Reeves - Terry's mentorship and collaboration (Collaborative performances) [1980s–2000s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Love Song From "Apache" (Today And Now)
2. Quintessence (Today And Now)
3. Don't Love Me (Today And Now)
4. Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree (Today And Now)
5. Go Li'l Liza (Today And Now)
6. Put On Your Old Grey Bonnet (Today And Now)
7. Swingin' Scotch (Today And Now)
8. Foolin' Around - Live (Body & Soul Revisited)
9. Love Song From "Apache" (Coleman Hawkins: Verve Ultimate Cool)
10. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (The Complete Jazz Sessions, 1962)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia