JON CLARKE / MUSICIAN

Sax, oboe player
joined Loggins &
Messina’s band

Jon Clarke, who played with Loggins & Messina, specializing in oboe and saxophone, died of kidney cancer last Friday on Kauai. He was 54.

Clarke began performing in his teens in the rock band California Earthquake and in a Los Angeles Valley College jazz quartet, and later toured with Don Ellis' jazz orchestra.

Jim Messina recruited a five-piece band that included Clarke after meeting Kenny Loggins. He then formed Loggins & Messina in 1970, which performed and recorded together through the 1970s.

Clarke played baritone sax on "Your Momma Don't Dance" from the 1972 album "Loggins & Messina."

Clarke became a studio musician after the group dissolved, playing with the Academy Awards orchestra for 17 years. He also performed on TV and motion picture soundtracks, including "Six Feet Under" and "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." Other credits included "Fried Green Tomatoes," "Scent of a Woman," "The Green Mile" and "The Road to Perdition."

He is survived by wife Miriam, two sons, three sisters and two brothers.

Donations may be sent to the Amicus Foundation, 4217 Waipua St., Kilauea, HI 96754.