Jazz drummer Kenny Clare was born on June 8, 1929 in London, England. He played drums as a teenager and in 1949 joined the popular broadcasting danceband led by Oscar Rabin.



In 1954 he moved over to the Jack Parnell band for a while before settling into the Johnny Dankworth orchestra. Kenny Clare was with Dankworth until the early '60s, when he joined Ted Heath. During this period he also recorded with a band he co-led with fellow drummer Ronnie Stephenson.



Later in the decade, Kenny Clare became a member of the Clarke-Boland Big Band. From 1972 he worked with many bands, large and small, played in studio orchestras for recording sessions, television and radio programmes, and on film soundtracks.



Kenny Clare also toured extensively as accompanist to Tom Jones. Amongst his recording dates are sessions with Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Pass and Stéphane Grappelli. Clare was a gifted all-round percussionist, filled with enormous enthusiasm.



Kenny Clare also did extensive work for radio, television, film, and commercials.



Kenny Clare died on December 21, 1984.