Pianist, bandleader, and arranger, one of the most influential stylists of the swing era of the late 1930s, born in Austin, TX. He studied music briefly, and while still in his teens was working in Chicago with such major artists as Louis Armstrong. His move to New York City in 1933 to join the Benny Carter Orchestra established his career as a pianist and arranger. When he joined the Benny Goodman Trio in 1935, he was one of the first black musicians to appear with whites.