Terry played in the big bands of two swing giants, Count Basie and Duke Ellington, in the late 1940s and '50s, and in the NBC Orchestra in the '60s. Expert in both swing and bebop, he began leading his own groups in the mid '50s, recording with such leading beboppers as Kenny Clarke and Thelonious Monk. Terry is also a prominent author and jazz educator. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master in 2004.

Loren Schoenberg, the jazz musician, scholar, and executive director of the Jazz Museum, will talk with Terry at the event.

The fall season of Harlem Speaks also includes visits from bassist and manager John Levy, another NEA Jazz Master, on November 10; bassist and singer Carline Ray on November 17; and saxophonist Lonnie Youngblood on December 15.

The Jazz Museum in Harlem is located at 104 E. 126th St, in Manhattan. Harlem Speaks events, which begin at 6:30 p.m., are free, but require reservations. For information call 212-348-8300 or visit www.jazzmuseuminharlem.org.