[3] He was born in New York, United States,[1] and started performing professionally in 1943 in Brooklyn with Cecil Payne[1][3] and Max Roach.
[1] It was while working with Lionel Hampton (1945–47), that he earned his reputation as a high-note player.
[3] Following this, in 1947 he worked with Charlie Barnet,[3] Lucky Millinder (and again c. 1950),[3] Count Basie (1948–50), and Herbie Fields.
[1] He worked for more than 20 years at CBS, and played jazz music in his spare time, co-leading a band with Budd Johnson (1962),[3] and as a sideman with many orchestras, including those of Dizzy Gillespie,[3] Oliver Nelson, Benny Goodman, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis (1966–70), and Clark Terry (1974-75).
[1] With Mose Allison With Joe Cain With Count Basie With Kenny Burrell With Maynard Ferguson With Dizzy Gillespie With Quincy Jones With Jimmy McGriff With Oliver Nelson With Chico O'Farrill With Shirley Scott With Sonny Stitt With Big Joe Turner