Clifford Ratliff
Jazz Trumpeter
Inducted into the Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame in 2010
Clifford Ratliff
(June 29, 1947 - Present)
Clifford Ratliff experienced Indianapolis’ jazz legacy by growing up with the legends of Indiana Avenue and attending Crispus Attucks High School. He came from a musical family where everyone played an instrument. He attended School 23 where he was taught by Reggie DuValle, Willis Kirk and Al Officer. While attending high school he would tell his parents he was arriving home late because he had attended a house party when he was really gigging on the Avenue.
Ratliff would hide his trumpet in the coal shed and would perform until 10:30 because his curfew was 11pm. “Had my parents known that I was playing on Indiana Avenue, they’d have killed me!”
Joining the US Air Force he toured with the Air Force Band, performing on many USO shows. He returned to Indianapolis in 1970 and has played with Jimmy Coe, Alonzo “Pookie” Johnson, Russell Webster, Melvin Rhyne, Les Taylor, Larry Liggett and others. He has led his own big band, led the jam sessions at The Jazz Kitchen, mentored numerous up and coming musicians in Indy and plays regularly around Indianapolis.
Naptown Legends: Clifford Ratliff
