Photo courtesy of Snowden Funeral Home - Rockville
Bronx, New York
Sep 30, 1930 – Dec 28, 2017 (Age 87)
On December 28, 2017 Seleno Clarke dropped his role of flesh and ascended to heaven to seize his everlasting prize. Seleno was born on September 30, 1930, i n Poolesville, Maryland to the late Reverend Millard E. Clarke and Beulah L. Clarke. In 1952, Seleno served in the U.S. Army. In 1954 he relocated to New York where he started his music career. He toured and performed all over the world, with recent performances in Vancouver, Canada and Berlin, Germany. Seleno started out making a living as a saxophonist in all the clubs in the Harlem loop, (including the famous Apollo Theater). Seleno has performed with the legendary Count Basie, George Benson and many other legends in the Jazz community. He later switched and mastered the Hammond "B3" organ in the early 60's adding a gospel flavor that pumped up soul jazz. George Benson also produced Seleno's quintet CD called "Diversity." This extraordinary recording expresses both the roots of his creative vision and his exhilarating contemporary sound. Seleno was a very influential musician whose success was not only measured by his amazing and award-winning music career and recording contracts, but also by his legacy of mentorship to so many young and upcoming musicians. Seleno was preceded in death by his parents Reverend Millard E. Clarke, Beulah L. Clarke, his brothers, James, Douglas, Donald, Gilbert , Barney Clarke and a sister Peggy Williams. Seleno leaves to celebrate his homegoing, 3 devoted children, "Little Sal," Serena, Adrianne and one grandson, Sean, Sister inlaw, June Clarke, Brother inlaw, Hosea Williams and his daughter-in-law Eurydice Crocker. He also leaves behind, his Love Life Partner, Brenda Chapman, alias "BJ," her family, nieces, nephews and a host of family and countless friends. We will remember Seleno's dedication and loyalty to his family, friends and the Jazz community. Rest in peace Seleno.
I Miss Jamming with you Seleno! Rest IN Paradise
Wayne Cobham
November 25, 2019 | Pomona, NY | Friend
Uncle Seleno as I would often call him. I met him at one of my first jobs as a reservationist at Bill Locket Travel and Entertainment. He would sit with me often with his talks to encourage me to get all I can out of life. he was such a calm soft spoken dude. It took a lot to ruffle his feathers. every morning he would come to the morning meeting with turkey and egg sandwich and coffee. I have not seen you in years but God knows best. this was the only way you would stop to rest. Rest easy ...
Martha Johnson bennett
August 21, 2019 | Mount Vernon, NY | Coworker
Today we looked up Seleno on the internet, as we haven't talked to him years. We are sorry to learn of his passing. We spent many hours with Seleno and his family at his Mom's house, in Poolesville Maryland, sitting out in the front yard, enjoying family cookouts. Great times and lots of laughs. His mom, brothers, and family were all people that we feel lucky to have known. Especially his mom, Gilly, and Doug, who we knew the best. His nephew June cooked some awesome meals. Hope to see...
peter & monique smith
August 06, 2019 | Port Charlotte, FL | Friend
Remembered By
Christopher Pignonr
March 20, 2019 | Bronx, NY | Friend
Thank you for all the wonderful memories while playing at the Colonel Chatles Young Post 398.
Dorcedious Davis
March 07, 2018 | Harlem, NY | Served In The Military Together
It is 5:30 a.m. and I am really bummed out right now. I played with Seleno Clarke, along with Reggy Marks, Roger Coles and Jimmy Landers, back in the '70s for about four years. We were called the Jazz Suspensions back then, and we toured Manhattan during that time. We had great times, and were well-known in the NY jazz community. I was inspired this morning to pull some YouTube videos of him, and have been listening to him for the past hour or so, when I stumbled upon the fact that he...
Bernard Young
March 06, 2018 | Durham, NC | Friend
I first saw Mr. Clarke and his band at a jazz festival in Nassau Bahamas. What a wonderful person he was. I continued to follow him over the years. Loved his music. He will be missed. Prays and much love to his family in this difficulty time.
S. Tibbs
February 02, 2018 | Gambrills, MD | Friend
Paisano!!! Forget about it! You better off now! I will never forget you. Peace
Marco Di Gennaro
January 17, 2018 | NYC, NY | Friend
I have nothing but fond memories of Seleno. He was one of my father's (James Stemley) best friend's when I grew up in D.C. He was always very nice to us kids. Back in 1990, we gave our parents (James & Pearl) a trip to Naussau to enjoy Seleno, Nancy Wilson and Bobby Blue Bland playing at the Bahamas Jazz Festival. The trip and seeing Seleno again was a surprise for my parents and Seleno. Good times were had by all. I suspect Seleno is jamming in heaven by now.
Betty Stemley
January 11, 2018 | Catonsville, MD | Friend
