In 1944 he moved to New York. Since then he has worked with practically every important jazz musician. The reasons are many: Hank Jones has a distinctive delicate touch, a pronounced sense of swing, sensitivity and inventiveness. He is a superb solo player and a responsive accompanist. He was the accompanist of ELLA FITZGERALD between 1948 and 1953 which included tours with "Jazz at the Philharmonic". Between 1956 and 1958 he played with BENNY GOODMAN.

He also worked in a quartet setting with MILT HINTON, OSIE JOHNSON and BARRY GALBRAITH backing top-class instrumentalists. Hank Jones recorded numerous albums as a sideman but also under his name. He became also a very sought-after accompanist at festivals and for radio and TV shows.