First heard him on George Russell's New York, New York album, that incredible first side with Trane on "Manhattan" and then Golson on "Big City Blues"...Side Two? WHAT Side Two????
Also, major props for his business acumen. Talk about a "journey" (a word I have come to detest), his was not just one of music but also of business. To use the modern jargon, he certainly knew how to "leverage opportunities".