Chicago tenor saxophonist, educated at DuSable High School and the Conservatory of Music. Army service from age 19, became bandmaster for Fifth Army band. Worked in Chicago (1950's to 60's) with top musicians, including Dexter Gordon, B.B.King, Billie Holiday, Chuck Berry and Ben Webster. Settled on the West Coast in the late 1960's. Worked with Sonny Stitt in the 1970's; also with big bands, including Juggernaut.