Bio

Kenny Clarke (1914-1985) was one of the most influential drummers during the formation of bebop. Clarke came up with the now standard jazz swing groove, by keeping time primary on the ride cymbal. Clarke was a top call drummer for his entire career and played with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Lee Konitz, and many more. Clarke moved to Paris in 1956 and began collaborating with some of the top European jazz musicians on the scene. While in Europe he co-led the Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band which recorded over 20 albums.