A talented bop player, Johnny has been able to adapt to many different musical settings. His life in music began in 1945, playing with the Lionel Hampton band for two years.
In the 40s and 50s he worked with Percy Heath, Philly Jo Jones, Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell. Johnny left the U.S. in 1963 because of tax and personal problems. He lived in Paris and played with Kenny Clarke, Kenny Drew, Powell and Art Taylor.