born Jan. 30, 1911, Pittsburgh, Pa., U.S.
died Feb. 26, 1989, Valley Stream, N.Y.
U.S. trumpeter, one of the most vital and creative jazz musicians of the swing era.
He was influenced by saxophonists such as Coleman Hawkins and developed a fast, nimble technique matched with harmonic sophistication. He played with Fletcher Henderson (193536) and was featured with the big bands of Gene Krupa and Artie Shaw in the 1940s. (A nickname reflecting his stature, "Little Jazz," was also the title of a record he made with Shaw). The dominant voice on his instrument in the swing style, he exerted a strong influence on bebop musicians.