Andre began his professional career with bandleader Charlie Spivak from 1950-1951. After a stint in the army, he went on to play with the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra and the big band of Woody Herman in the 1950s. Later freelancing, he recorded with Tony Bennett, Toots Thielemans, Judy Collins, George Benson, Lena Horne, Buddy Rich, Billy Taylor, and Quincy Jones. He performed with saxophonist Gerry Mulligan as part of his Concert Jazz Band, accompanied Liza Minnelli in a 1974 concert, and played with Bruce Springsteen on Born to Run. Film soundtracks included Godspell and The Wiz.