Jo's drumming style was versatile and dynamic. His style wasn't as outrageous as Buddy Rich or Gene Krupa; instead he worked with the subtleties of a rim shot or nuances of the hi-hat.
In 1934 he joined the Count Basie band and remained there until 1948. He also worked with artists like Coleman Hawkins, Jimmy Rushing, Billie Holiday, Art Tatum, Lester Young and Duke Ellington.