A multi-instrumentalist, Sammy Gardner studied clarinet in elementary school, then became a professional while in high school. After army service, Gardner earned a degree from the St. Louis Institute of Music. He taught in St. Louis through the late '50s, then formed The Mound City Six. He appeared on The Arthur Godfrey television show in 1958, and had his own St. Louis television show for two years. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide