Biography

Founded the group Maono.

His first drum teachers were fellow Brooklyn-based drummers Willie Jones and Lenny McBrowne; through them he met Max Roach. Nonetheless, he became a disciple of Philly Joe Jones.

Studied science at St. John's University while playing jazz in the evenings. He eventually switched his studies to the Julliard School.

Of Haitian ancestry.

His first professional engagement was as an accompanist of singer Nellie Lutcher.