Born in Boston, Massachusetts and raised on a steady diet of faith and music, Horton is a true music scholar in every sense of the term. Horton is known around the world as a versatile conductor, arranger, pianist, and director.

Studying music has been his life's passion. Horton has studied under scholars such as Paul Freeman, Josef Krips and Kirk Mechem. His professional work includes arranging and conducting performances for some of the most esteemed orchestras in the world.

Horton's diverse career has had him working with some of the biggest names in music including the Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye, Walter Hawkins and the Love Center Choir, and Martha Reeves.

However, the work that is closest to Horton's heart is that which he did for the late Duke Ellington. In 1973 he began a close artistic relationship with Ellington before becoming the "Duke's" composing and conducting assistant (succeeding Billy Strayhorn).

Ten years later, in 1984, Horton was personally appointed by Ruth Ellington to conduct national Duke Ellington Sacred Concerts where he helped to keep the Ellington music legacy thriving.