About
American jazz pianist classically trained in piano and composition. He played in the radio orchestras of NBC, ABC, and WGN Studios as well as in the house band of the Chicago nightclub Mister Kelly's. He toured with trumpet player Harry James and accompanied such stars as Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Barbra Streisand, and Buddy Rich.
Before Fame
He graduated from Austin High School in Chicago. While in school he began his career playing for the NBC Orchestra on the Dave Garroway Radio Show.
Trivia
In his late 70s, he returned to school to get his Bachelor's of Music and Master's of Music from Roosevelt University. At the end of his career, he was working as the leader of the house band in the Cantina Room of the Continental Plaza Hotel. He released two solo instrumental albums and the song "Sleep Away" was chosen by Microsoft as the sample demo music for Windows 7 Windows Media Player.
Family Life
He was married to his wife, Mary, for 58 years. They had two sons, Bob and Jim, and seven grandchildren: Emily, Madeline, Carolyn, Bobby, Ryan, Charlie, and Megan. In May of 2017, he performed the song "Sleep Away" with his granddaughter Emily on violin.
Associated With
He also accompanied saxophonist Woody Herman.
