Knepper chose the names "Robin" and "Jay" to honor his idol, Charlie Parker, whom the jazz world knew as "Bird".

In 1959, the U.S. State Department funded a trip for bandleader Herbie Mann to visit Africa, after they heard his version of "African Suite."

The musicians were: Herbie Mann, bandleader, flute and sax; Johnny Rae, vibist and arranger; Don Payne, bass; Doc Cheatham, trumpet; Jimmy Knepper, trombone; Carlos "Patato" Valdes, conguero; Jose Mangual, bongos.

Destinations listed on official itinerary: Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria, Mozambique, Rhodesia, Tanganyika, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, Morocco, Tunisia.

They provide a fascinating glimpse into the inner circles of a notable piece of jazz history, and the life of a touring musician, who was also a devoted family man.

In 1962, Knepper toured the Soviet Union with Benny Goodman's Big Band,[3] as part of a cultural exchange during the Cold War, in which the Bolshoi Ballet also came to the US.

Knepper also played in the pit orchestra through the entire run of the Broadway show Funny Girl, with Barbra Streisand, and later, Mimi Hines.

In 1969, Knepper toured and recorded You Never Know Who Your Friends Are, with keyboardist Al Kooper, in the jazz period which followed his departure from Blood, Sweat and Tears.

Knepper appeared on this concert tour which included shows at the Philadelphia Spectrum, and in Atlanta, where he briefly met Janis Joplin.

With Charles Mingus With Mose Allison With Joshua Breakstone With Benny Carter With Richard Davis With Gil Evans With Ricky Ford With Dizzy Gillespie With Langston Hughes With Clark Terry With Kai Winding With Chuck Israels With Herbie Mann With Kenny Burrell With Gary Burton With the Jazz Composer's Orchestra With the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra With Dick Katz With Al Kooper With the Toshiko Akiyoshi – Lew Tabackin Big Band With George Adams & Dannie Richmond With Mingus Dynasty