After high school, Clarke then relocated to
Buffalo, New York, playing there with
Lil Hardin Armstrong and
Stuff Smith in 1935. He worked with Smith again in 1939 and 1940 on tour and in the recording studio. Returning to Buffalo, Clarke led an ensemble at a local club from 1942 to 1954. Following this he moved to New York City, working with
Wild Bill Davis and
Jonah Jones, and touring internationally with
Cootie Williams and
Cozy Cole. == References ==