Jazz Drummer. A well-known jazz percussionist, he was born in Washington and refined his percussion skills in the Navy jazz band in Norfolk, Virginia, during World War Two. Early in his career, after leaving the Navy, he toured with the big bands of Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, and Art Mooney. He later played behind such well-known stars as Georgia Gibbs, Patti Page, Chris Connor, Billy Eckstine, Frank Sinatra, Zoot Sims, Slam Stewart, Joe Venuti, Teddy Wilson, Barney Kessel, Herb Ellis, Urbie Greene, Joao Gilberto, Clark Terry, Hank Jones and Kai Winding. During the rare occasions when he returned to Washington he performed at many of the local clubs and theaters. Later he toured for twelve years with the Charley Byrd Trio where he was considered by many jazz men to be one of the innovaters of Bossa Nova rhythms. After his time with Byrd he returned to Washington to become the house drummer at Blues Alley, a popular jazz venue. In his spare time he taught percussion at his studio and organized percussion clinics at area colleges and museums. He came out of retirement in 2000 to record "Classical Jazz", a tribute to Charley Byrd, along with guitarist, Tony Gil. His last performance was in 2004 when he flew to Los Angeles to record "The Night Was Blue" with his sons, Bill and Kurt, and several studio musicians. He then returned to Washington where he remained in retirement until his death.
Jazz Drummer. A well-known jazz percussionist, he was born in Washington and refined his percussion skills in the Navy jazz band in Norfolk, Virginia, during World War Two. Early in his career, after leaving the Navy, he toured with the big bands of Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, and Art Mooney. He later played behind such well-known stars as Georgia Gibbs, Patti Page, Chris Connor, Billy Eckstine, Frank Sinatra, Zoot Sims, Slam Stewart, Joe Venuti, Teddy Wilson, Barney Kessel, Herb Ellis, Urbie Greene, Joao Gilberto, Clark Terry, Hank Jones and Kai Winding. During the rare occasions when he returned to Washington he performed at many of the local clubs and theaters. Later he toured for twelve years with the Charley Byrd Trio where he was considered by many jazz men to be one of the innovaters of Bossa Nova rhythms. After his time with Byrd he returned to Washington to become the house drummer at Blues Alley, a popular jazz venue. In his spare time he taught percussion at his studio and organized percussion clinics at area colleges and museums. He came out of retirement in 2000 to record "Classical Jazz", a tribute to Charley Byrd, along with guitarist, Tony Gil. His last performance was in 2004 when he flew to Los Angeles to record "The Night Was Blue" with his sons, Bill and Kurt, and several studio musicians. He then returned to Washington where he remained in retirement until his death.
Bio by: arkiedan
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