- He was only 19 years old when he stood out by winning the first prize of the National Jazz Tournament.
- Fascinated by Chopin, he studied classical piano at the conservatory, then went on to jazz as a teenager.
- Was born in a Polish Jewish family who fled the persecution of war.
- In 2000 he received the Grand Prix du Disque.
- The Academie du Jazz of France formally recognized his accomplishments in 1961 with the Prix Django Reinhardt for outstanding jazz artist of the year.
- In 2005 he was awarded the Honorary Victoire de la Musique for his Overall Contribution.
- Featured at "Le Jazz Cool, Le Jazz Hot: A Celebration of Modern Jazz in Los Angeles and France" at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles (November 2007).
- Served in the French military from 1955 to 1957.
- In 2006 he was named Officer of the Order of Arts and Literature.
- Collaborated with Miles Davis, Lester Young, Lionel Hampton, Stan Getz, Chet Baker, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, Ben Webster, Lee Konitz, Kenny Clarke, Serge Gainsbourg, Claude Francois, Don Byas and Buck Clayton.
- In 1997 he received the Grand Prix SACEM.
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