 In the 1950s, he joined the house rhythm section of the Café Bohemia, and worked in the groups of Ben Webster and Kenny Dorham, Oscar Pettiford, and, later, Carmen McRae.From 1954 to 1955, he was part of the J. J. Johnson/Kai Winding Quintet.He also worked in Orchestra USA and participated on Benny Carter's "Further Definitions" album, and worked on some of Helen Merrill's recordings.