Whiteman discovered him playing tenor banjo and he became part of the rhythm section for his newly-formed band for the Alexandria Hotel in Los Angeles (later known as the original Whiteman band), playing there for its entire existence (1919–1948) except for a brief period in 1923 due to illness.
Whiteman discovered the musician playing tenor banjo, and he joined the rhythm section of his new band at the Alexandria Hotel in Los Angeles (later known as the original Whiteman band), performing there until its end in 1948, except for a short absence in 1923 due to illness.