Although he was well-schooled in the Traditional New Orleans Jazz repertoire from an early age, Adams began his professional career in Rhythm & Blues.
Beginning with the onset of the New Orleans traditional jazz renaissance in 1959–1960, Adams concentrated exclusively on playing and promoting the authentic music of his native city over the ensuing 40 years.
He performed frequently with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, with trumpeter Oscar Papa Celestin, clarinetist Louis Cottrell at Heritage Hall and at the long-running Commander's Palace Jazz Brunch with the Alvin Alcorn band He also gigged with such New Orleans mainstays as trumpeter Al Hirt, vocalist Blanche Thomas, trombonist Waldren "Frog" Joseph, drummer Louis Barbarin, trombonist Louis Nelson, pianist Joe Robichaux, banjoist Emanuel 'Manny' Sayles and pianist Walter Lewis.
Adams also played the bass drum with the Onward Brass Band, that performed for street funerals and in Mardi Gras parades.
Adams continued performing right up to his death, which occurred three weeks before he was scheduled to appear at the 2003 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.