He also played trombone on a 1996 released album of Django Reinhardt recordings.
[2] He began his professional career in the American South, gaining his nickname "Serious" for his love of classical music.
He first played bass with King Oliver, then with the Bechet-Ladnier New Orleans Footwarmers.
On his return he played in New York City and Philadelphia with Sidney Bechet and Mezz Mezzrow, as well as leading his own band and contributing arrangements.
[3] He also worked with the Spirits of Rhythm in the 1930s and 1940s, and in the latter decade played with Jimmy Dorsey, Bob Mosley, Tiger Haynes, Rex Stewart, and for a short time with Duke Ellington.