Trivia

Joined a student band at the age of thirteen. In New York with the Fess Williams Orchestra at the Savoy Ballroom. From June 1927 until Ellington's death, served as the longest standing member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra.

One of Ellington's closest friends and confidantes. Died himself just four months after Duke's death, declaring that without him he had "nothing to live for".

Began on piano at the age of six, before specialising on clarinet by the age of thirteen. Later took up alto sax and baritone sax. Doubled on bass clarinet from 1943.

Childhood friend of Johnny Hodges.

Cited the bass saxophonist Adrian Rollini as his main role model.