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 a rhythm section with Clarke, Jimmy Woode, and himself, he formed The Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band, which quickly gained recognition as one of the most prominent Big Bands outside the United States. After its disbandment in 1972, he shifted his focus to composing.