George Clarke (jazz musician)

George F. Clarke (August 28, 1911, Memphis, Tennessee - September 1985, New York) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist.

Clarke attended Manassas High School, where he joined the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra, playing with Lunceford until 1933; he then relocated to Buffalo, New York, playing there with Lil Armstrong and Stuff Smith in 1935. He would work with Smith again in 1939-1940 on tour and in the recording studio. Returning to Buffalo, Clarke led an ensemble at a local club from 1942 to 1954. Following this he moved to New York City, working with Wild Bill Davis and Jonah Jones, and touring internationally with Cootie Williams and Cozy Cole.

References

• Howard Rye, "George Clarke". The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz. 2nd edition, ed. Barry Kernfeld.