Stanley Clarke

Stanley Clarke, an American bassist and double-bassist, will perform at the Casino Barrière de Lille in Lille on June 4, 2026. A pillar of the jazz-fusion scene since the 1970s with Return to Forever, he has released more than forty albums and won four Grammy Awards. His career crosses paths with key figures in American music, from Quincy Jones to Herbie Hancock, and includes collaborations with Stan Getz, Art Blakey, Paul McCartney, Jeff Beck, Keith Richards, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan and The Police. On stage, he makes the double bass and electric bass converse, explores textures, establishes precise motifs and leaves room for improvisation.

A composer for film and television, he is responsible for the scores of films such as Boyz n the Hood, What’s Love Got to Do with It, Romeo Must Die and The Transporter. His recordings have earned gold and platinum records, specialist-press awards and Emmy nominations. For decades he has expanded the role of the bass and performed as a leader on stages around the world. Through the Stanley Clarke Foundation, created with his wife Sofia, he supports young musicians each year through a scholarship program.