About
Clarinet and saxophone player who played a wide variety of genres, including swing and jazz. He was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1987.
Before Fame
His first instrument was violin, but he did not stay interested in it. He saw Alcide "Yellow" Nunez play when he was young and was inspired to play jazz clarinet.
Trivia
He performed with many bandleaders and started a residence at "Nick's" in Greenwich Village.
Family Life
His wife Mary encouraged him to pursue visual abstract art.
Associated With
He performed with Thelonious Monk in 1963 at the Newport Festival.
