Stanley Clarke

A Philadelphia native, Clarke began bass studies in his youth, and moved to New York in 1971 after graduating from the Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts, making his first recording with trombonist Curtis Fuller and working with the likes of Stan Getz, At Blakey, Joe Henderson, and Pharoah Sanders, among others.

Formed in 1972 for the recording of Getz’ Captain Marvel, Return to Forever was one of the greatest and most successful fusion bands of the 1970s, releasing seven studio albums that have become classics including Light as a Feather, Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy, and Romantic Warrior.

The bassist released his solo debut Children of Forever in 1973 and has recorded 24 albums as a leader, leading a procession of masterful bands, and collaborating with George Duke, McCoy Tyner, Dexter Gordon, Freddie Hubbard, Al Di Meola, Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Stewart Copeland, and dozens more. Additionally, Clarke has led a secondary career as a film composer, writing scores for over 60 movies and television shows including Boyz n the Hood, Poetic Justice, What’s Love Got to Do with It, and others.