1932
Born to Clarence Howard and Bessie (Walton) McKinney in Detroit, MI.
1952
Conducts college coursework at Wayne State University until 1955.
1959
Plays the trombone and euphonium with Benny Golson and Art Farmer for JAZZTET.
1960
Plays the trombone with Slide Hampton in New York City until 1963.
1963
Plays the trombone with the Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra in New York City until 1972 and for James Moody until 1972.
1964
Is named the Artist Deserving Wider Recognition by Downbeat Magazine.
1967
Is a trombone and euphonium player for Joe Henderson until 1974.
1968
Is a trombone and euphonium player for Archie Shepp until 1986.
1969
Marries Ima Polly Vann on December 29; Is an instructor at the New Muse Community Museum in Brooklyn, NY until 1980.
1973
Plays the trombone for Aretha Franklin until 1976.
1977
Is a National Endowment of the Arts Grantee.
1978
Is a trombone player for the Broadway show “Dancin’” until 1982.
1981
Plays the trombone and euphonium with Frank Foster Big Band.
1984
Plays the trombone for the Illinois Jacquet Big Band in New York City until 1987.
1985
Plays trombone and euphonium with the Clifford Jordan Big Band in New York City and is involved with Jazzmobile.
1989
Receives the New York City Board Education Parent Leadership Award; Is involved with the Jackie Robinson Marching Band through today.
1991
Is involved with New York City Housing Authority Performing Arts Program.
2021
Maintains membership with the Universal Jazz Coalition, National Jazz Organization and American Federation of Musicians.
2021
Is co-founder of the Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium.