Jazz Great, Former 'Tonight Show' Trumpeter Clark Terry Dead At 94

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com)  —   Legendary jazz musician Clark Terry has died.

Terry was 94.

He reportedly died surrounded by family, friends and students. To those who followed his career, that he died in front of a crowd should come as no surprise.

He began a professional music career when he was about 20 -- in 1940 -- and there is no mention of him ever retiring of slowing down. When not performing music, he continued to mentor and teach just about every notable jazz musician of the past three decades.

Terry -- equally at home with big bands and playing solo -- was lauded with every music award and tribute one can win -- more then 250 by his count.

Most notably, he has 16 honorary doctorates, knighthood in Germany, induction in several music halls of fame, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and several times named musician, artist or trumpeter of the year. He also performed for seven US presidents.

After touring with Duke Ellington's band, Terry joined "The Tonight Show" in 1962 (first working with Skitch Henderson and later Doc Severinsen.) He spent ten years with the program and was often a featured soloist. He became popular to audiences often being referred to by his nickname "Mumbles," a tribute to his musical sound.

St. Louis born Terry is listed on more than 900 different recordings.

A week ago, it was announced Terry entered hospice care to manage the advanced stages of diabetes.

For more about Terry, go his official site.