'PETE' FRANK CLARKE

Instruments: Saxophone, Clarinet
Date of Birth: March 10,1911
Place of Birth: Birmingham, Alabama
Date of Death:April, 1975

Pete Clarke, alto & baritone saxophone and clarinet, was born in Birmingham, Alabama, March 10,1911. Brother of Dick (trumpet) and Arthur 'Babe' (saxes). Studied Music with 'Fess' Whatley at the Industrial High School in Birmingham. Toured with Montgomery's Collegiate Ramblers (1927), then worked with Wayman Carver's Rambler's (1929). With Chick Webb from 1930 until 1936, (recorded with Duke Ellington in 1936). Joined Louis Armstrong (spring 1937 until 1938), then with Teddy Wilson's Big Band (April 1939 until 1940). With Rex Stewart (early 1946), to Europe with Don Redman in September 1946, briefly with John Kirby (on clarinet) in 1947. With Happy Caldwell at Small's in the early 1950's., continued to work regularly during the 1960's. On baritone sax with Reuben Phillips at the Apollo, also played clarinet with Danny Barker's Band (1962) and worked in Jimmy Jones' Orchestra (1963). Played occasionally at Jimmy Ryan's, New York (1970-1). Died New York City, April, 1975