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Kevin Clark Obituary
January 11, 1957 - July 28, 2011
Kevin Brian Clark, a longstanding member of Professional Musicians Local 47, passed away on July 28 in his mountain home in Aptos, California. Kevin died of natural causes at the age of 54.
Kevin was born in Los Angeles January 11, 1957 into an illustrious musical family. His father, Mahlon Bryan Clark, was a featured clarinetist for Lawrence Welk, Nelson Riddle, and Frank Sinatra. Among his most famous recordings was the clarinet lead on 'Baby Elephant Walk' by Henry Mancini. Kevin later produced an album for his father, featuring his own arrangement of 'Baby Elephant Walk' as well as compositions of his own. His mother, Imogene Lynn, was a featured vocalist in the Big Band era, performing with Ray McKinley and Artie Shaw's bands.
At the age of 12, Kevin taught himself to play the guitar by memorizing every Beatle song ever recorded. He then went on to have a successful recording and performing career in the 80's and 90's, working day in and day out with LA's first call session players, including the Seawind Horns - Jerry Hey, Bill Reichenbach, Gary Grant, Larry Williams and Kim Hutchcroft, pianists Randy Waldman and Bill Purse, bassists Neil Stubenhaus and Jimmy Johnson, world class drummer Jeff Porcaro, and songwriters Brock Walsh and Mark Vieha. His discography as recording/mixing/ engineer/musician includes: The Manhattan Transfer, Jack Sheldon, The Slugger's Wife soundtrack, Seawind, The Ritz, Gary Le Mel, and Wayne Johnson, to name a few.
Kevin is survived by his wife of 20 years, Susan Butterworth Clark of Los Angeles, and their two sons, Daniel Alan Clark and Brian Russell Clark, both of Denver, CO. He is also survived by his daughter from a previous marriage, Erin Clark Cole of Monterey, and his sisters, Deborah Clark of Sherman Oaks, and Julie Clark De Blasio and her husband, Ron De Blasio of Los Angeles.
The combination of a well respected 'set of ears' and first-rate chops made Kevin a double threat in the LA recording scene. Kevin will be missed as the great guy 'on both sides of the glass' by all who knew him.
A video tribute to Kevin by long-time friend and collaborator, Alan Marino, can be found at: www.vimeo.com/27730028
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Clark
Robyn Appenzeller
August 11, 2020
Kevin, there are so many memories from our times together. I loved playing guitars together in our teenage years when you would visit us in Virginia, and the talks we would have at those difficult ages about growing up and trying to figure out what life was 'really' all about, and how we would laugh and laugh... I really miss and love you dear cousin.
Barbara Haber
August 27, 2011
Sweet little boy Kevin,
You have been missed for a long time but always loved and in my heart.
Peace,
Your Aunt Barbara
Edie Lehmann Boddicker
August 24, 2011
How incredibly sad I was to learn of Kevin's passing. Kevin had the best musical ears in the business. He was a most gifted engineer, and a lovely man. I miss him.
Dana Parker
August 23, 2011
Dear Family of Kevin,
How sad I feel reading Kevin's obituary.
My compliments to whoever wrote it. What a beautifully written tribute it is.
My brother, Todd and I lived on Big Rock Drive in Malibu (up the hill from the Clarks' house), and knew Kevin and his sister, Julie, when we were kids. We played with Kevin and Julie, and went to school with them. They were great friends.
One year Julie, who was delightful and always had a beautiful laugh, decided it would be fun to put on a play. She and Kevin invited Todd and me to join them, and some of the other neighborhood kids, in this production of "Sleeping Beauty."
It is one of my fond childhood memories. Todd can even still recite his lines! And, I'll never forget rehearsing with Julie and Kevin in our basement.
Please accept my deep sympathy for your loss. Kevin was a great guy, and I am sure will be missed by all who knew him.
If any family members feel like contacting me, I'd be happy to hear from you.
Dana Parker
714-761-0233
e-mail: [email protected]
August 22, 2011
Ars long Vita brevis..God Bless your soul. Our love to your family and friends.
Uncle Max(the Uncle you never met) & Aunt Margaret
Rick Perrotta
August 22, 2011
Kevin I miss you very much! Thanks for being such a good friend and an inspiration throughout the years, especially when we were young and starting out. You used to call me Nick and I called you Calvin. It was all so much fun. Remember the crazy ride we took to San Francisco on our motorcycles. You herded our Harleys with your fast Yamaha just like a mother hen taking car of her chicks. It was all so much fun. I hope your still traveling. Miss you dude!
Erin Clark-Cole
August 20, 2011
Dad, I will miss your silly sense of humor and your love for animals, nature, music, bikes and adventure. From when I was a little girl we had our own adventures, on your bikes, in your 2002 Burgundy BMW, at the park, in Santa Monica and the Valley, in Yosemite and beyond, to our last big adventure, your trip up to Monterey zooming around in your BMW and enjoying ourselves as adults together for the first time. Causing a little trouble! It is one of the most treasured memories of my life! Say hey to everyone up there and enjoy your peace! It is long overdue. I love you forever and always!
Erin
Megan Ryan
August 19, 2011
Mommy get me a drink of water a cookie to tell me a story, Love your cousin Meggie
Suzie Benson
August 19, 2011
I remember your laugh... your smile. Our funny conversations during sessions. Remembering when you would use "tape" to make an edit. Those were the days :-) You were so talented and so fun. You will be missed my old friend. I hope you are at peace. You will always be remembered for the good times. Much love to your family --Suzie xxoo
Jennifer Tallbear
August 19, 2011
I will aways think of my big cousin and miss that you are not here. GOD bless and keep your children.
Robyn Appenzeller-Shepherd
August 19, 2011
Kevin, tell everyone 'Hi' for me when you get there!
You will be missed here.
Jeannine Everett
August 18, 2011
Blessings Kevin
Bridget Babbington
August 18, 2011
Music is the art which is most nigh to tears and memory. ~Oscar Wilde
The gift of Kevin will forever live in our hearts and minds.
Love and Blessings
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