Multi-faceted musician and educator who blossomed during his time with the Jimmie Lunceford orchestra in 1939. His composition "Hi Spook" was influenced by the version of "Caravan" recorded by Duke Ellington.
He wrote arrangements for Sarah Vaughan, Ray Charles, Julie London, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, and many others.
He taught at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he was highly respected, being named Teacher of the Year at one point.
He and his Mexican-American wife Josefina Villasenor Wilson had three daughters, Jeri, Teri, and Nancy Jo, and one son, Anthony.
His composition "Yard-Dog Mazurka" influenced "Intermission Riff," Stan Kenton's classic.
