During World War II, he served as a Master sergeant with the 94th Army forces stationed at Ft. Bragg, where he first organised a six-piece army band.
Pianist (from the age of five), arranger and dance band leader. After World War II, he led the 17-piece 'Johnny Aladdin's Society Band', which performed at swank clubs and hotels on the East Coast.
Studied with concert pianist Leo Ornstein in Philadelphia and earned a music teaching degree.