Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1986.
Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume
One, 1981-1985, pages 160-162. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons,
1998.
Co-founded the Modern Jazz Quartet in 1952 with pianist John Lewis (whom he had met during military service, 1943-46). Extensive free-lance work from 1955.
Studied piano, trombone, drums, vibraphone and music theory while in high school. First with Teddy Hill's band (1940-41), later joined Benny Carter (1941-42). Led own band in New York prior to military service.