One of New Orleans most-beloved musicians, Albert Gardner jumped directly from high school into a professional music career that spanned some six decades.

In his younger days, Gardner was heavily on the rhythm and blues scene both in the studio and on tour. He played and recorded with the greats including spending nine years with Roy Brown and hitting the drums behind the legendary Sam Cooke from 1960 until the vocalist\'s death in 1964.

Albert \"June\" Gardner laid down the essential rhythm on Lee Dorsey\'s smash hit Working in a Coal Mine and he also performed regularly with Dave Bartholomew\'s band.

Beyond rhythm and blues, Albert \"June\" Gardner was most often recognize as a traditional jazz player, leading his own group, June Gardner & the Fellas. After that he joined trumpeter Wallace Davenport at the Paddock.

He was also heard on more modern stylings working with artists like saxophonist Alvin \"Red\" Tyler, vibraphonist Lionel Hampton and jazz/soul vocalist Lou Rawls.

Albert\'s son, Gardner jr. and also known as \"Lil\' June\", had taken up the drums and played with Professor Longhair, The Neville Brothers and Irma Thomas. Albert Gardner jr. died in 1999 at age 48.