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How Jazz Pioneer Clark Terry Helped A Blind Piano Prodigy Become A Star

The story of pioneering jazz flugelhornist and trumpeter Clark “CT” Terry is highlighted in the inspiring new documentary, “Keep On, Keepin’ On.” Produced by Quincy Jones, the 80-minute docu-flick chronicles the relationship between Terry and his young piano protege, Justin Kauflin, who is blind and suffers from stage fright.

During the course of filming, Terry’s diabetes began to affect his sight, which deepened the pair’s bond with one another. This week during an interview segment on HuffPost Live, Kauflin shared his thoughts on why Terry is one of “the greatest Jazz instrumentalists and greatest mentors.”

“For me the thing that shines is his selflessness as a performer, and as an educator and as a teacher. He cares so much for his students and for the people around him,” he admitted. “I just haven’t been around somebody who has that much capacity to care that much for the people he’s working with. I feel like that’s what makes him so special.”

“To have somebody so prestigious as Clark Terry to believe in you and to even spend time with you, and welcome you into his house, it just blows my mind,” he added. “Just an incredibly selfless person, who’s really so devoted to his students.”

Check out more of Justin Kauflin and “Keep On, Keepin’ On” director, Al Hicks’ HuffPost Live segment in the clip above.