Born in Houston, Texas in 1927, jazz musician Jimmy Ford's career spanned over six decades. His first training as a child of 12 was under the direction of Cliff Dresher, who was a picolo player for the Houston Symphony Orchestra in the 1930s. Later Ford performed playing tenor saxophone with seminal greats such as Milton Larkin, Maynard Ferguson, and Clark Terry, traversing mainly between New York and Houston. His musical style was influenced by Stan Getz, and above all, Charlie Parker. Ford actually played with Charlie Parker's trumpeter Red Rodney in 1951. Ford's talent, particularly at improvisation and innovative chord progressions, kept him employed continually. He was also known for his solid work ethic cultivated from Milton Larkin's influence. Ford returned to Houston somewhat permanently in 1978, and remained working there until his death in 1994.