About
Jazz artist who was an unselfish, understated accompanist. He was praised for his lyricism and romantic soul.
Before Fame
He became the first African-American to be accepted into the Peabody Conservatory of Music.
Trivia
He performed and recorded with many prominent artists of the 1940s, including Billy Moore, Edmond Hall, Coleman Hawkins, Mildred Bailey, and Dicky Wells.
Family Life
His parents were both classically trained musicians. His father was a violinist who established a two-hours-per-day practicing regimen for his son.
Associated With
He recorded two memorable collaborations with Ella Fitzgerald: 1950's Ella Sings Gershwin and Songs in a Mellow Mood from 1954.
