In 1961, building from a rhythm section featuring Clarke, Jimmy Woode and himself, he founded The Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band, which rapidly became one of the most noted Big Bands assembled outside the United States. After it broke up in 1972 he concentrated on composing.
In 1961, building on a rhythm section featuring Clarke, Jimmy Woode, and himself, he established The Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band, which quickly became one of the most renowned Big Bands outside the United States. After it dissolved in 1972, he focused on composing.