- He was a jazz bassist best known for his association with saxophonist Sonny Rollins, whom he accompanied on almost every concert and album starting in 1962. He appeared on more recordings on the famous Blue Note label in the 1960s than any other bass player.
- He performed with Paul Simon, Coleman Hawkins, Rod Stewart, the "Saturday Night Live" orchestra, and the studio band of "Sesame Street".
- In addition to studio work, he played in Broadway pit orchestras and for visiting singers, including Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Peggy Lee.
- He grew up in Evanston, Illinois, where his father was a choir director.
- He received a bachelor's degree from Roosevelt University, then served in the Army before taking up his musical career in Chicago.
- Survived by his wife, step-daughters Karyn Scott-Harden and Stacey Stearns, three daughters Myra Grissom, Kim Cranshaw, and Cheryl Blue from his first marriage, and seven grandchildren.
- His ashes were sprinkled into the Atlantic Ocean after his cremation service at Andrett Funeral Home in Manhattan.
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