The Lead Lad—Ian Clarkson
Trumpet player, singer and bandleader of the Jive Aces, the UK's No.1 Jive and Swing Band, often referred to as the Lads from London, Ian Clarkson has been a Scientologist for nearly two decades. His video is one of 200 “Meet a Scientologist” videos available on the Scientology website at www.scientology.org.
A beautiful Italian girl in the front row at a one of his concerts caught Ian Clarkson’s eye. And he soon learned something about her that was even more striking than her good looks.
“She always seemed happy,” says Clarkson. “And as I got to know her better I noticed something magical—when I was stressed out or worried, just by talking to her I would feel happy again. I wondered about this—it intrigued me.”
One day he decided to ask her, “How do you do that?” Her answer was—“Scientology.”
“I decided to find out what this was all about. I had always wanted to know what makes people tick—how come you can feel good one day and depressed the next,” he says. “I read Dianetics: the Modern Science of Mental Health by L. Ron Hubbard and enrolled on some courses at the Church of Scientology of London. I found the answers in Scientology—answers that really made sense to me. I had looked into many religions and philosophies, searching for one that was both spiritual and practical, and I found this in Scientology.”
That was 18 years ago. And Grazia, the lovely lady in the front row, soon became his wife.
“We have been happily married ever since,” he says, “in no small part due to what we have learned in Scientology.”
Born in Liverpool and raised in Essex, the trumpet player, lead singer and bandleader of the Jive Aces began his musical career in the backyard of the family home where he and his sister entertained family and friends. Music was always his passion and jive and swing his favorites, “because the fans are the best and it’s so much fun,” he says.
Watching the band perform their signature blend of comedy and music, it is obvious they all get along great. And performing 300 concerts a year, that’s saying something.
“Our knowledge of Scientology has helped us hold together as a tight and happy team,” says Clarkson.
As you watch the six Jive Aces cut up on stage, they look like they are having the time of their lives.
“Life is a fabulous game,” says Clarkson, “and it’s true—we really do have that much fun.”
Watch Clarkson in the Jive Aces video at www.scientology.org.
The popular “Meet a Scientologist” profiles on the Church of Scientology International Video Channel at Scientology.org now total 200 broadcast-quality documentary videos featuring Scientologists from diverse locations and walks of life. The personal stories are told by Scientologists who are educators, teenagers, skydivers, a golf instructor, a hip-hop dancer, IT manager, stunt pilot, mothers, fathers, dentists, photographers, actors, musicians, fashion designers, engineers, students, business owners and more.
A digital pioneer and leader in the online religious community, in April 2008 the Church of Scientology became the first major religion to launch its own YouTube Video Channel. The Official Scientology YouTube Channel has now been viewed by millions of visitors.