Lauded by critics & his peers, Dorham was one of the most active bebop trumpeters. He played in the big bands of Lionel Hampton, Billy Eckstine, Dizzy Gillespie, & Mercer Ellington & the quintet of Charlie Parker. He was a charter member of the original cooperative [url=http://www.discogs.com/artist/262128-Art-Blakey-The-Jazz-Messengers]Jazz Messengers[/url]. He also recorded as a sideman with Thelonious Monk & Sonny Rollins, & he replaced Clifford Brown in the Max Roach Quintet.
In addition he led his own groups., recording in 1956 as [a=Kenny Dorham And The Jazz Prophets]. In 1963 Dorham had Joe Henderson in his group, & the two collaborated much throughout the decade.
At age 48, kidney disease resulted in his passing.