Clora Bryant: Black Lady Trumpeter Who Wowed Communist Russia

Legendary jazz trumpeter and vocalist, Clora Bryant, has died at age 92. Despite making a name for herself and being highly regarded by her male peers in the industry, Bryant’s legacy rests entirely on the only two recordings she ever made: Gal With a Horn (1957), which was her sole album, and a recording with blues singer Linda Hopkins in which she served as an accompanist.

Still, true recognition eluded her. She failed to attract the same reverence as her male and white counterparts. None of this was due to a lack of talent on Bryant’s part, though. Terry Edwards, a saxophonist and Bryant’s frequent stage companion, while reflecting on her status in the industry said, “You know, she’s as good as any man. She has range and ideas and enough talent to go to the top.” Due to her gender and colour, she struggled to maintain a career as a respected jazz trumpeter.

But she was a persistent woman. She was audacious when it came to positioning herself for success. In 1988, she wrote to Mikhail Gorbachev (General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union) asking to be invited as the first female horn player to perform in the country. In a move that shocked many, Gorbachev honoured her request and did invite her. The following year, she toured Soviet Russia to great acclaim.

Her greatness was not entirely overlooked during her lifetime, however. She was awarded the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz honour at the Kennedy Center, Washington DC in 2002. In 1989, a documentary Trumpetistically, Clora Bryant, was released, centering on her career.

She is survived by her children, April, Charles, Darrin and Kevin; all from two marriages.