One of the most-recorded saxophonists of his era, Zoot Sims was known for his virtuoso technique and dry wit. A native of Inglewood, California, he grew up in a show business household and dropped out of high school to play professionally in big bands. He played with the bands of Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Stan Kenton, Buddy Rich and Woody Herman (famously as one of Herman's "Four Brothers" sax section). From the late 1950s until his death in 1985, he freelanced with a string of top caliber artists on labels including Mercury, Pablo, Impulse!, Chiaroscuro, Muse, Bethlehem, High Note and Storyville.