Clark Terry home from hospital; benefit to be held Monday, April 23 in NYC

According to a blog post yesterday from his wife Gwen, the legendary trumpeter and St. Louis native Clark Terry (pictured) is back home from the hospital and doing well after the amputation of his left leg.

Terry, who's 91, has been in and out of the hospital since October, and earlier also lost his right leg to complications from diabetes. He is getting professional physical therapy five days a week at home, along with home-care visits from nurses three times a week, the blog post said, and is eager to hear from friends and fans.

One major expression of support for Terry will take place next month when The Duke Ellington Society, International Women in Jazz, Jazz Foundation of America, and Saint Peter’s Church – Jazz Ministry team up to put on a fundraiser for him at 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 23 at Saint Peter’s Church, 619 Lexington Avenue at 54th Street in NYC.

More than 30 musicians will perform to raise money to help defray Terry's medical expenses, and the trumpeter plans to appear at the event via Skype. Suggested donation is $25 at the door; checks should be written to Jazz Foundation of America with “Clark Terry account” in the memo line. Donations also can be sent to Jazz Foundation of America, 322 W. 48th Street, New York, NY 10036.