Mr. Talley is from Detroit, Michigan the son of Huestell Talley and Tempi Talley. He comes from a musical family. His father was the number one drummer in Detroit, Mich. Gary studied clarinet under Doug Cornelson (Detroit Symphony 2ndclarinetist) in classical clarinet orchestral studies. With George Gleaton, Marcus Belgraves and Frank Foster in Detroit, Michigan he studied Jazz improvisation saxophone, jazz composition and arranging. These studies enhance a plethora of compositions and arrangements of all genres from Gary. He composed Latin suite on YouTube (Gary Talley Latin suite), Mr.Talley works were published, one work in particular his; jazz sextet book advertise in down beat magazine. The book sold out worldwide. Mr. Talley holds a bachelor degree from Tennessee State University in music Education and a master music degree from Norfolk State University. Mr. Talley joined the Department of liberal arts at Hampton University in 2012 as an adjunct professor. Mr.Talley primary areas of instruction are classical clarinet and saxophone studies. Prior to his arrival at Hampton University he was a military musician who served in the United States Navy. He toured the world with the Navy bands. His tours included; Naples Italy, Japan, Guam and South America these professional experiences included, working in various genres of music: Orchestral, (Soul) Motown music, Gospel and jazz. Gary shared the stage with world-renowned composer and artists such as Kenny Garrett, Chuck Magione, Four tops and Manhattans. He has also played in production of Handel’s Messiah (1st clarinet) and recently played in theater productions Dream girls and the Billy Holiday story. Presently Mr. Talley is playing with a Big band directed by Doug Miller of Count Basie Orchestra. Mr. Talley recently form a young Gospel group which consists of (horns) called God’s Horns; they perform throughout the Hampton roads tri- cities.
