Performed from childhood, making daily radio broadcasts on local country music radio. After completing formal studies, moved to Los Angeles. Played bass with Hampton Hawes, Art Pepper, Red Norvo and Paul Bley. Regular bassist with Ornette Coleman in New York from 1959 to 1960. Out of circulation with drug problems in the early 60's. Set up the Liberation Music Orchestra with Carla Bley in 1969. Much of his music in the 70's and 80's was politically motivated "Song for Che", the Vietnam War, anti-fascism etc). Led the more mainstream, bop oriented Quartet West from 1987.