He first began playing drums as a student at Crane High School in Chicago, where he played in an ensemble with future collaborators Ramsey Lewis and Eldee Young.
Studied music at the Chicago Musical College.
Enlisted in the United States Army in 1955 and was stationed in Germany, where he played with a military band.
Studied radio and television at Kennedy-King College.
Founded the Gumption Artist Workshop which was active from 1980 to 1985.
Parents are: Willie and Mary Gilliam Holt.
Survived by his three sons, Reginald, Isaac, and Ivan, a brother Benjamin, eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren.