He grew up playing at parties and local events, and was drawn to American music of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s at an early age.
"[3]: 337 He has also produced piano rolls,[6] and has appeared in movies, on television, and in concert halls.
Early in his career, he accompanied disco icon Sylvester on a series of recordings of vintage jazz tunes.
[3]: xi [4] He has been a consultant for numerous books on Jazz Age music.
On buying an 1897 townhouse in Washington Heights, Manhattan, he became an informal neighborhood historian as well.