Stanley Clarke at “The Best Man Holiday” premiere in 2013
(Photo Credit: Toshi Sakurai)
Stanley Clarke has been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Only 271 invitations were extended to artists and executives this year to honor their contributions to theatrical motion pictures. Fans of Clarke’s multi-faceted musical career may be surprised to know that he recently scored the 2013 box office smash, “The Best Man Holiday.”
“The music in a film is essential and always has been,” said Clarke, a four-time GRAMMY winner who also boasts more than 65 film and television credits to his name. “It is the glue that holds the film together. It enhances the emotions of the characters, augments the action and helps lead the audience on their journey through the story. I feel a great responsibility to the craft of film scoring, which makes this invitation so special.”
As a touring recording artist, producer and co-founder of the jazz fusion band Return to Forever (with Chick Corea), Clarke also collaborated with his close friend of more than 40 years, the late George Duke. They recorded three albums together, which included the Top 20 pop hit “Sweet Baby,” in addition to Clarke’s dozens of solo records and other collaborations.
Stanley Clarke with a collection of his basses
(Photo Credit: Steven Parke)
As composer, orchestrator and conductor, Clarke has scored such blockbuster films as “Boyz ‘N the Hood,” “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” “The Transporter,” “Romeo Must Die,” “Passenger 57,” “Poetic Justice” and “The Five Heartbeats.” He also scored the Michael Jackson video “Remember the Time,” was nominated for three Emmys and won a BMI Award for “Boyz ‘N the Hood.”
Clarke and other new members will be welcomed into the 6,417-member Academy at an invitation-only reception in September.
“I am honored,” said Clarke. “Film has been a diverse experience for me musically, made me a more complete musician and focused my skills completely.”
For more information on Clarke, visit www.stanleyclarke.com.
Stanley Clarke
(Photo Credit: Steven Parke)