Famed trumpeter and composer ("Tuxedo Junction") and conductor,
educated at Alabama State Teachers College (Bachelor of Science) and in
private music study. He came to New York in 1936 and made his debut as
bandleader/conductor at the Harlem Opera House. Throughout his career
he made many recordings. Joining ASCAP in 1945, his other popular-song
and instrumental compositions include "Gin Mill Special" and "You Can't
Escape from Me".
African American jazz musician: bandleader ("Erskine Hawkins and His
Orchestra"), songwriter, trumpet player, drummer, and trombonist, he
wrote the popular "After Hours."