About
Individualistic, avant-garde, bop-leaning jazz artist who influenced Los Angeles free jazz, yet spent his life on the fringes.
Before Fame
He discovered L.A. jazz when it was entering its prime and artists such as Dexter Gordon, Art Tatum, and Coleman Hawkins were dominating the scene.
Trivia
He played a role in establishing the Union of God's Musicians in 1961, which later bred the Pan-African People's Arkestra.
Family Life
He was born to a musically accomplished mother, Mary Malone Tapscott, who was both a professional pianist and singer.
Associated With
He was compared favorably to Thelonious Monk.
