Kenny Clare

Born 8 June 1929, London, England, d. 21 December 1984. Kenny Clare played drums as a teenager and in 1949 joined the popular broadcasting danceband led by Oscar Rabin. In 1954 he moved over to the Jack Parnell band for a while before settling into the Johnny Dankworth orchestra. He was with Dankworth until the early '60s, when he joined Ted Heath. During this period he also recorded with a band he co-led with fellow drummer Ronnie Stephenson. Later in the decade, he became a member of the Clarke-Boland Big Band. From 1972 he worked with many bands, large and small, played in studio orchestras for recording sessions, television and radio programmes, and on film soundtracks. He also toured extensively as accompanist to Tom Jones. Amongst his recording dates are sessions with Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Pass and Stéphane Grappelli. Clare was a gifted all-round percussionist, filled with enormous enthusiasm. Clare also did extensive work for radio, television, film, and commercials.

Kenny Clarke - Kenny Clare Clarke - Boland Big Band The Drum Duet + Washington D.C. 1968

© Colored by Mike Creasy

Talking about Drums Ronnie Stephenson - Kenny Clare

Kenny Clarke - Kenny Clare - Clarke - Boland Big Band



Oscar Rabin Band in 1949
Back row, L-R: Ron Simmonds, Bobby Benstead, Ronnie Heasman, trumpets;
Front row: Kenny Clare, drums; Tommy Cook, trombone.

Kenny Clarke - Kenny Clare Clarke - Boland Big Band Volcano 1968

Kenny Clare - Kenny Clarke











Kenny Clare - Kenny Clarke-Boland Big Band



Tony Bennett - Kenny Clare























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