Musician. Born in Columbus, Ohio, he was one of the most noted trumpet players of the swing era, nicked named “Sweets”. At the age of twelve, he began playing with local bands, joined the Count Basie Orchestra in 1937 and spent thirteen years with Basie until the band was temporarily disbanded in 1950. Though the course of his career he became a highly sought after studio and tour musician. He shared the stage and the studio with artist to include Frank Sinatra, Nelson Riddle, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Buddy Rich, Henry Mancini and many more. In the 1970s, he was featured on the sound track for the film “Lady Sings the Blues” and was musical director for the comedian Redd Foxx. He also appeared frequently in Europe and Japan, until shortly before his death at age 83 in Columbus, Ohio.
Musician. Born in Columbus, Ohio, he was one of the most noted trumpet players of the swing era, nicked named “Sweets”. At the age of twelve, he began playing with local bands, joined the Count Basie Orchestra in 1937 and spent thirteen years with Basie until the band was temporarily disbanded in 1950. Though the course of his career he became a highly sought after studio and tour musician. He shared the stage and the studio with artist to include Frank Sinatra, Nelson Riddle, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Buddy Rich, Henry Mancini and many more. In the 1970s, he was featured on the sound track for the film “Lady Sings the Blues” and was musical director for the comedian Redd Foxx. He also appeared frequently in Europe and Japan, until shortly before his death at age 83 in Columbus, Ohio.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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