Keith Clark
Bugle player in the US Army. Missed a note while playing Taps during JFK's funeral.
About Keith Clark
Lived 1927 – 2002 (aged 74). Keith Clark was an American trumpeter and united States Army Band.
Career As lead bugler of the United States Army Band when Kennedy was assassinated, Clark was assigned the task of playing Taps at the president's funeral. On the day of the funeral, Clark stood in the rain for three hours before it was time for him to play. At 3:08 pm, after the 21-gun salute, Clark started to play "Taps", and on the sixth note, briefly sounded the harmonic one higher than intended, "cracking" the note.
After the funeral, many assumed the mistake was intentional.
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Important facts
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Keith Clark?
Bugle player in the US Army. Missed a note while playing Taps during JFK's funeral.
When was Keith Clark born?
Keith Clark was born on 21 November 1927 in Grand Rapids.
When did Keith Clark die?
Keith Clark died on 10 January 2002 in Fort Pierce.
What was Keith Clark's occupation?
Keith Clark was a trumpeter and united States Army Band.
What nationality was Keith Clark?
Keith Clark was American.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: Keith Clark (bugler)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Keith Clark. https://biography.guide/keith-clark/
MLA: "Keith Clark." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/keith-clark/.
Chicago: "Keith Clark." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/keith-clark/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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