 He began as a drummer and then played trumpet professionally, most notably with Red Norvo's orchestra.Eventually he became a full-time arranger for Norvo.He went on to arrange and compose for Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman, and especially Benny Goodman, earning a reputation for intricate work such as "Benny Rides Again," "Moonlight on the Ganges," and "Clarinet a la King".