As a youngster he was keener to play cornet than piano, but due to problems with his teeth, was forced to concentrate on the keyboard.
From the age of 8 until 10 he had piano lessons, as did his three sisters (Martha, Ruth and Berniece), unlike his brother Erroll.
Afterwards he was pianist and arranger for a number of distinguished bands including those of Billy Eckstine and Dizzy Gillespie.
He also accompanied Sarah Vaughan, Nat King Cole, Carmen McRae and Della Reese.
The Linton Garner Legacy Quartet, featuring drummer Don Fraser, bassist Russ Botten pianist Ron Johnston, pianist Miles Black continues to play Garner's music.