Jazz and big band guitarist. Began with the orchestras of Charlie Barnet and Tony Pastor. His career was interrupted for nearly a decade by severe drug addiction. He returned to music in the 1960's after rehabilitation at a clinic in Santa Monica, California. Was helped by Norman Granz of Pablo Records. Recorded duos with name artists like Oscar Peterson and Zoot Sims and established a reputation as an excellent as a soloist as well as accompanist for singers such as Ella Fitzgerald.