Played cornet from childhood, later switched to trumpet. Studied at the Illinois Military Academy in Abingdon. Became a sideman with Ben Pollack's orchestra in 1936, where he was outshone by another trumpet player, the legendary Harry James. Played in the bands of Jimmy Dorsey (1937-1939), Bob Crosby (1939-1940) and Gene Krupa (1940-1941). Briefly led his own orchestra, 1945-1946, and 1948. Worked as a studio musician in Hollywood during the 50's and 60's.