This was also an era when Hicks was still studying at Wilberforce College in Birmingham, Alabama, a town that of course claims this artist among its numerous musically talented offspring. Beginning in 1925, Hicks began working with Horace Henderson's Collegians -- a gig that lasted until 1928, followed by sideman enrollments with Benny Carter and Bingie Madison. Hicks' involvement with the Carroll Dickerson's Savoy Orchestra around this same time led to the most stocked corner of the trombonist's discography; Louis Armstrong wound up taking over the band and using it on a series of recording sessions. Membership in the Mills Blue Rhythm Band in the first half of the '30s was Hicks' final high profile job. He is no relation to the trumpeter Billy Hicks nor the pianist John Hicks. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, Rovi