He began his professional playing career in New York City after moving there to attend the Juilliard School.
[1] While still at Juilliard, Larkins performed jazz piano with guitarist Billy Moore at Café Society Uptown and over the next ten years in his own groups, or in support of, clarinetist Edmond Hall and singers Helen Humes and Mildred Bailey.
[1] His 1960s work included recordings or performances with Eartha Kitt, Joe Williams, Georgia Gibbs and Harry Belafonte.
In the 1970s, he performed regularly at several New York venues, including Gregory's, a small bar on the Upper East Side.
With Ruby Braff With Anita Kert Ellis With Ella Fitzgerald With Beverly Kenney With Sonny Stitt With Joe Williams