- Jazz drummer and bandleader.
- Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1986.
- Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume One, 1981-1985, pages 160-162. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1998.
- Co-founded the Modern Jazz Quartet in 1952 with pianist John Lewis (whom he had met during military service, 1943-46). Extensive free-lance work from 1955.
- Studied piano, trombone, drums, vibraphone and music theory while in high school. First with Teddy Hill's band (1940-41), later joined Benny Carter (1941-42). Led own band in New York prior to military service.
- Father of Kenny Clarke Jr. with Annie Ross.
- Parents are: Martha Grace Scott, and Charles Spearman.
- Has one brother.
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