Jam sessions took place in his basement, with musicians such as trumpeter Donald Byrd, saxophonists Sonny Red and Brazil, pianist Barry Harris, bassist Doug Watkins, and drummer Frank Gant.
[2] A tape of a jam session was recorded in his basement on September 25, 1958, with trumpeter Donald Towns, saxophonists Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Brazil, Red, pianist Hugh Lawson, bassist Ernie Farrow, and drummer Roy Brooks.
[2] Euphonium player Kiane Zawadi (Bernard McKinney) and saxophonist Kenneth Winfrey lived down the street and often played at his house.
The faculty included trumpeter Floyd Standifer, saxophonist Jabo Ward, and bassist Milt Garred.
The Black Student Union demanded that he be hired by the University of Washington School of Music.