Composer ("I'm Beginning to See the Light"), saxophonist and songwriter
who was educated in area public schools and then joined dance
orchestras as a saxophonist. By 1927, he had joined the
Duke Ellington band.
He has made many recordings. Joining ASCAP in 1945, his other
popular-song and instrumental compositions include "Shady Side",
"What's It All About?", "Mood to be Wooed", "The Hodge Podge", "Jepp's
Blues", "Jitterbug's Lullaby", "Wanderlust", "Wonder of You", "Harmony
in Harlem", "It Shouldn't Happen to a Dream", "Crosstown", "Squatty
Roo", and others.
Reveille with Beverly(1943)as Johnny
Check and Double Check(1930)as Member, Cotton Club Orchestra
Wild Blade(1991)
Paris Blues(1961)
Anatomy of a Murder(1959)
The Alto Knights(2025)
Hollywood(2020)
Private Life(2018)
Manchester by the Sea(2016)
American Hustle(2013)
On the Road with Duke Ellington(1974)as Self
NET Playhouse(1964)as Self
Here's Edie(1963)as Self - alto saxophonist
