About
Nicknamed The Wig. He was a flexible and respected jazz artist who was known for his trio with bassist Andy Simpkins and drummer Paul Humphrey.
Before Fame
His first professional gig was as an accompanist for pioneering black actor and comedian Stepin Fetchit.
Trivia
His collaborators included Louis Armstrong, Benny Carter, Lena Horne, Eartha Kitt, Kay Starr, Nat King Cole, Lou Rawls, and Jimmy Witherspoon.
Family Life
He fathered a son, J.J., who would become a bassist and take the name Hassan Shakur.
Associated With
He appeared in an episode of the sitcom 227 starring Marla Gibbs.
