Check out these new and used Clark Terry vinyl records LPs for sale. We recommend starting your Clark Terry vinyl collection with the essential albums Live 1964, Quintet and Tonight. Our inventory is always changing, so check back often, or browse our list of vinyl records for sale from jazz musicians.

Clark Terry: Swing, Bop, and the Joy of Sound

Early Years in St. Louis

Clark Terry was born December 14, 1920, in St. Louis, Missouri, and grew up in a neighborhood alive with parade bands, riverboat music, and the brass traditions of Midwestern jazz. He built his first makeshift trumpet from junkyard parts before acquiring a real horn, and by his teens he was gigging around town. Those early street‑beat experiences—march tempos, blues shouts, and call‑and‑response energy—never left him. They shaped the rhythmic buoyancy and vocalized tone that later made him one of the most beloved brass voices in jazz.

Road Bands, Basie, and Ellington

After service in a Navy band during World War II, Terry joined a succession of name bands, including those led by Charlie Barnet and Lionel Hampton. His national breakthrough came with Count Basie, whose swinging engine room sharpened Terry’s time feel and section precision. From there he moved to Duke Ellington’s Orchestra in 1951, launching an eight‑year tenure that proved pivotal. Ellington prized color and character; Terry answered with plunger growls, burnished lyricism, and witty obbligatos that could turn a chart into theater. Ellington also encouraged doubling, and Terry’s occasional valve‑trombone forays signaled the flexibility that would define his later small‑group work.

The Flugelhorn Ambassador & Studio Pioneer

Though a master trumpeter, Clark Terry became one of jazz’s earliest and strongest advocates for the flugelhorn as a frontline improvising instrument. Its warmer, rounder sound suited his singing phrasing, and he helped move the horn from sectional novelty to soloist’s choice—paving the way for players like Art Farmer, Chuck Mangione, and later generations of lyrical brass improvisers. In the 1960s Terry broke another barrier by becoming one of the first Black staff musicians at a major television network, joining the NBC Tonight Show Orchestra under Skitch Henderson (and later Doc Severinsen). Millions heard his joyful sound nightly; his visibility mattered as much as his musicianship.

Notable Albums

Below are key recordings that map Clark Terry’s range—from hard‑swinging small groups to genre‑stretching collaborations and lush ballad settings.

Serenade to a Bus Seat (1957) – A tight, modern small‑group date that caught Terry at the intersection of swing polish and hard‑bop drive. Crisp arrangements, brisk tempos, and relaxed humor make it a prime “first listen.”

In Orbit (1958) – Famous for featuring Thelonious Monk on piano, this Riverside session spotlights Terry almost exclusively on flugelhorn. The contrasting lyric horn over Monk’s angular comping produces sparks and reveals Terry’s harmonic agility.

Color Changes (1960) – An ambitious Candid release that explores tonal “colors” through shifting instrument combinations (French horn, tuba, reeds). Terry’s writing and orchestral imagination shine; many consider it his masterpiece.

Clark Terry/Bob Brookmeyer Quintet (mid‑1960s, including Live at the Village Gate) – Trumpet/flugelhorn meets valve trombone in sly counterpoint. The group’s conversational phrasing, quick wit, and contrapuntal lines influenced countless small‑group horn pairings.

The Oscar Peterson Trio + One (1964) – Virtuosic swing meets comic genius. Terry trades blazing lines with Peterson and introduces the world to his irrepressible scat persona “Mumbles,” transforming vocal nonsense into rhythmic art.

Clark After Dark: The Ballad Artistry of Clark Terry (1977) – Late‑night velvet. Strings, space, and flugelhorn warmth frame Terry’s lyrical gifts; proof that virtuosity can whisper as effectively as it roars.

Educator, Mentor, and “Mumbles”

Education became central to Terry’s life from the 1960s onward. He crisscrossed the world giving clinics, coaching student big bands, and demystifying improvisation with humor rather than intimidation. Many young players first learned to swing eighth‑notes correctly because Clark sang the feel to them—often in his playful “Mumbles” scat, a stream of semi‑intelligible syllables shaped by perfect jazz time. The bit began as bandstand clowning to ease tension during trumpet section fatigue; it evolved into a teaching tool and a beloved stage feature that reminded audiences that jazz, at heart, is joyful conversation.

Clark Terry - The Alternate Blues [New Vinyl LP] 180 Gram

$46.37   Buy It on eBay for only: $46.37 Buy It Now on eBay

Clark Terry, Freddie Hubbard .. The Alternate Blues Analogue Productions

$42.99   Buy It on eBay for only: $42.99 Buy It Now on eBay

CLARK TERRY- Duke With A Difference LP- VG+++MNT Riverside R 1108. OJC 229- Read

$28.50   Buy It on eBay for only: $28.50 Buy It Now on eBay

Clark Terry Quintet Serenade To A Bus Seat US 1957 Vinyl DG 1st MONO RLP 12-237

$74.99   Buy It on eBay for only: $74.99 Buy It Now on eBay

CLARK TERRY S/T EMARCY MG36007 Japan CAP OBI VINYL LP

$3.99  (2 bids) End Date: Saturday Nov-29-2025 17:37:00 EST Bid

Clark Terry Quartet - Eddie Costa: Memorial Concert - Colpix LP VG JAZZ MONO WLP

$0.98   End Date: Wednesday Dec-03-2025 16:14:01 EST Buy It on eBay for only: $0.98 Buy It Now on eBay

Clark Terry Yes The Blues Pablo red vinyl NM Cleanhead Vinson 1981 John Heard

$9.99  (1 bid) End Date: Tuesday Dec-02-2025 14:11:04 EST Bid

CLARK TERRY and Collage LP Professor Jive 1976 Inner City vinyl

$3.00   Buy It on eBay for only: $3.00 Buy It Now on eBay

CLARK TERRY Self Titled LP 1958 ART BLAKEY Horace Silver VG+/VG+ Mono JAZZ

$48.95   Buy It on eBay for only: $48.95 Buy It Now on eBay

The Happy Horns Of Clark Terry 1977 Impulse! ABC Records Vinyl LP Jazz EX/VG+

$16.99   Buy It on eBay for only: $16.99 Buy It Now on eBay

Who Clark Terry Influenced

Clark Terry’s musical children form a lineage that runs through modern jazz trumpet—and beyond.

Miles Davis grew up in the St. Louis region and famously looked up to Terry in his youth; Miles credited him with early technical guidance and example.
Quincy Jones played alongside Terry in Lionel Hampton’s band and has long cited him as a formative mentor in phrasing, professionalism, and bandstand comportment.
Wynton Marsalis absorbed Terry’s clarity of articulation, swing feel, and commitment to education; Marsalis has often honored Terry’s role in passing on the language.
Terence Blanchard and Roy Hargrove drew from Terry’s blend of warmth and harmonic fluency, demonstrating that virtuosity and lyric storytelling can coexist.
Ingrid Jensen, Sean Jones, and scores of contemporary brass artists echo Terry’s round flugelhorn sound, expressive bends, and conversational phrasing.
Even outside trumpet circles, rhythm‑section players and arrangers learned from Terry’s Ellington‑seasoned sense of color and his insistence that groove and personality matter as much as notes.

Honors and Late Career

Across his long life Terry recorded hundreds of sessions, led big bands and combos, and toured into his later years despite health challenges. He was named an NEA Jazz Master, received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and collected honors from universities and jazz festivals worldwide. His memoir, Clark: The Autobiography of Clark Terry, preserves vivid stories of segregation‑era touring, bandstand pranks, and the brotherhood of jazz. Even after illness curtailed his playing, he continued mentoring—sometimes teaching trumpet students by buzzing mouthpieces from his wheelchair, grinning all the while.

Lasting Legacy

Clark Terry embodied swing era elegance, bebop vocabulary, and modern versatility in a single, welcoming voice. He opened doors—musically, racially, and educationally—and proved that mastery need not arrive wrapped in ego. Listen to the lift in his time, the smile in his sound, the way every phrase seems to speak. That is why his influence endures: he made jazz feel like community. For newcomers, start with Serenade to a Bus Seat, then hear the coloristic leap of Color Changes, the humor of + One, and the late‑night beauty of Clark After Dark. However you enter, you’ll leave convinced—Clark Terry didn’t just play trumpet; he spoke a language that still teaches us how to swing, laugh, and listen together.

The Life of a Showgirl[Sweat & Vanilla Perfume Orange Glitter Vinyl]

Now retrieving the rating.

19% Off $36.98 $29.99 (as of November 12, 2025 23:22 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Taylor Swift's 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, will be released worldwide October 3, 2025

Now retrieving an image set.

Thriller

Now retrieving the rating.

27% Off $21.98 $15.99 (as of November 12, 2025 23:22 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, and may arrive in a gen... read more

Merry Christmas II You [15th Anniversary Shiny Starlight LP] [Amazon Exclusive]

Now retrieving the rating.

$29.99 (as of November 12, 2025 23:22 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Merry Christmas II You is Mariah Carey's second Christmas album, released in 2010

Currents [2 LP]

Now retrieving the rating.

$32.98 $27.95 (as of November 12, 2025 23:22 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Tame Impala's third studio album, Currents, was released in 2015 on Interscope Records and peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200

Hozier (10th Anniversary Edition)(Amazon Exclusive)

Now retrieving the rating.

11% Off $26.30 $23.37 (as of November 12, 2025 23:22 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Now retrieving an image set.

Rumours

Now retrieving the rating.

$24.15 $21.44 (as of November 12, 2025 23:22 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Now retrieving an image set.

Eternity's Pillars b/w Raise the Chalice & Reverential

Now retrieving the rating.

$24.98 (as of November 12, 2025 23:22 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Now retrieving an image set.

Abbey Road (Anniversary Edition)[LP]

Now retrieving the rating.

24% Off $29.99 $22.49 (as of November 12, 2025 23:22 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

The new Abbey Road release features the new stereo album mix, sourced directly from the original eight-track session tapes

Now retrieving an image set.

Fallout - The Soothing Sounds Of The Apocalypse

Now retrieving the rating.

$24.98 (as of November 12, 2025 23:22 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Now retrieving an image set.

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

Now retrieving the rating.

14% Off $30.98 $26.51 (as of November 12, 2025 23:22 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable, Black, Hi-Fi, 2 Speed, Dust Cover, Anti-Resonance, Die-Cast Aluminum Platter

Now retrieving the rating.

$199.00 (as of November 13, 2025 01:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Experience the high-fidelity audio of vinyl.Power consumption : 1.0 W, Signal-to-noise ratio > 50 dB (DIN-B) Fully automatic Belt-drive turntable operation with two speeds 33-1/3 45 RPM Anti-resonance die-cast aluminum platter Redesigned tonearm base... read more

1 by ONE High Fidelity Belt Drive Turntable with Built-in Speakers, Vinyl Record Player with Magnetic Cartridge, Bluetooth Playback and Aux-in Functionality, Auto Off

Now retrieving the rating.

$219.99 (as of November 13, 2025 01:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

[Exquisite Appearance] Built from wood and metal materials with a unique sense of layering; The streamlined corner design is truly atmospheric and stylish(Note: long hold the start button to turn the power on, and press again to start) [All in 1] Thi... read more

Vinyl Record Player Turntable with Built-in Bluetooth Receiver & 2 Stereo Speakers, 3 Speed 3 Size Portable Retro Record Player for Entertainment and Home Decoration

Now retrieving the rating.

$39.99 (as of November 13, 2025 01:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

【Vintage Record Player】Bluetooth Input & AUX Audio input & RCA line-out & Headphone jack. 2 Built in stereo speakers,with Bluetooth wireless technology,elegantly listen to the music from your smart phone.Use Aux cable input to directly play the music... read more

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable (Analog & USB), Fully Manual, Hi-Fi, 3 Speed, Convert Vinyl to Digital, Anti-Skate and Variable Pitch Control Black

Now retrieving the rating.

$449.00 $444.51 (as of November 13, 2025 01:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Experience the high-fidelity audio of vinyl Direct-drive, DC servo motor with selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds. Damped base construction for reduced low-frequency feedback coloration Fully manual operation featuring adjustable dynamic anti-skate contro... read more

Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable: Fully Automatic Wireless Vinyl Record Player with Bluetooth and USB Output Black

Now retrieving the rating.

$448.00 (as of November 13, 2025 01:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

EASY OPERATION: Effortlessly enjoy your favorite records with one-step auto start, stop and return.Power source: ‎Corded Electric TWO SPEEDS: 33 1/3 rpm and 45 rpm, with the 45 rpm adaptor stowed neatly in a slot beneath the deck HIGH QUALITY AUDIO: ... read more

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK Fully Automatic Wireless Belt-Drive Turntable (Black) (ATLP60XBTBK)

Now retrieving the rating.

$299.00 (as of November 13, 2025 01:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

High-fidelity audio with Bluetooth wireless technology.Wow and flutter : < 0.25% (WTD) at 3 kHz. Connects wirelessly to speakers and other devices equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology or to wired audio systems and powered speakers via included... read more

Record Player, Vinyl Record Player with Stereo Speakers,All-in-one Turntable, 3-Speed Bluetooth Record Player, Supports USB/SD Recording/Playback, AUX Input, RCA Output, Headphone Jack, Pink

Now retrieving the rating.

5% Off $79.99 $75.99 (as of November 13, 2025 01:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Retro Pink record player Beauty: A Stylish Statement Piece, Turn your space into a vibe with this stunning pink retro turntable! Its eye-catching design blends vintage charm with modern flair, making it a gorgeous decor piece for any room. Perfect fo... read more

Audio-Technica AT-LP70X Automatic Turntable (Black/Bronze)

Now retrieving the rating.

$279.00 (as of November 13, 2025 01:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Fully automatic belt-drive turntable operation with two speeds: 33-1/3, 45 RPM Integrated AT-VM95C cartridge is compatible with any VM95 Series replacement stylus, offering a wide choice of options for every budget and application BUILT-IN PREAMP: sw... read more