A colorful, propulsive drummer who worked with many major bands during his career. He was both a sensitive and exciting stylist, and could provide rhythmically dynamic and softly sympathetic accompaniment using sticks or brushes.

He began playing with Lucky Millinder in 1939, then worked with Benny Carter, Tiny Bradshaw, Lionel Hampton, Earl Hines, Count Basie, and Woody Herman. From the late 1940s he became highly regarded for his work in small groups, including the combos of Illinois Jacquet, Erroll Garner and Thelonious Monk, and played with Ella Fitzgerald. He worked frequently with Sonny Stitt in the 1950s and recorded with Basie, Joe Newman, Monk and Lee Konitz.