On being discharged from the armed forces, where he played drums in military bands, Gibbs worked in New York with Bill DeArango[2] and recorded with Tiny Kahn in Aaron Sachs' quintet (1946).

Some of the key players were lead altoist Joe Maini, tenor saxists Bill Holman and Med Flory, trumpeters Al Porcino and Conte Candoli and trombonists Frank Rosolino and Bob Enevoldsen.

[7] New arrangements were commissioned from Bill Holman, Marty Paich, Med Flory, Manny Albam and Al Cohn, among others, to feature Gibbs’ vibes in front of the band.

In the mid 1960s, Gibbs opened a musical instrument store in Canoga Park, California, with former Benny Goodman drummer Mel Zelnick.

[8] Terry Gibbs and Mel Zelnick Music Stop was also the first teaching facility of Freddie Gruber[9] and Henry Bellson, brother of Louie.