He was a well-known jazz bassist. He played an upright bass he named Bertha at jazz festivals and nightclub gigs. He toured with Peggy Lee, and performed and recorded with Dexter Gordon, Buddy Rich, and Quincy Jones.
He had success as a songwriter, most notably with "Comin' Home Baby," a song he co-wrote with jazz vocalist Bob Dorough. It was recorded by Mel Tormé, Herbie Mann, and Michael Bublé.