About
Hard-bop pioneer who continued performing well into his 90s. He struggled to gain commercial footing in spite of his expertise.
Before Fame
He was a musical autodidact whose interest in jazz grew immensely upon hearing Charlie Parker.
Trivia
He was both actor and musician in the 1961 film The Connection by experimental filmmaker Shirley Clarke.
Family Life
His father died when he was one, leaving his mother to raise him alone.
Associated With
He collaborated with many well-known musicians after being discharged from the Army in 1949, including Cootie Williams.
