American jazz trumpet player known for his jazz fusion style of the 1970s.
Jazz trumpeter.
[2000] Named a Jazz Master by the (US) National Endowment for the Arts.
Held a bachelors degree in music from Wayne State University and a masters degree from Manhattan School of Music. Studied composition under Nadia Boulanger in France. In 1982, earned a PhD in music education from Teachers College, Columbia University.
From 1973, taught jazz at Rutgers and Howard universities.
Was primarily a jazz musician (specialising in hard bop and jazz-rock fusion), but also branched out into R&B and funk. Created and led fusion group The Blackbyrds from 1973 to 1981.
Frequently recorded with Gigi Gryce, Dexter Gordon, Art Blakey, John Coltrane, Art Pepper (1958-61) and Hank Mobley.
