1960/61 – His play won the Down Beat critics poll for a miscellaneous instrument.
1977 – He died April 4, in Short Hills, NJ.
In between the above dates he played with, to name a few, Monk, Miles, Charles Mingus, and Quincy Jones.
"The French horn might be a difficult instrument, but Watkins played it with the warmth of a trombone and nearly the fluidity of a trumpet." – Scott Yanow
"The French-horn's intrinsic fox hunt quality would appear to make it akward for improvisation . . . Watkins set it free, skillfully pouring its mellow tone into jazz forms, and making a seemingly earthbound horn fly gracefully, like a well flung Frisbee." – Chris Albertson
"Tipsy";GREAT TUNE! The bass was dandy as well...sooooo swingin swingin sweet!! jammin tune just awsome,syncopation was right piano oh so smooth! I totally dig it!
The French Horn Master - and overdue for a tribute page. I haven't played horn for years but, back when, Julius was a model and a big musical influence for me. Thanks for doing this, and for including me in the circle.
