Career
He is most known for his complete catalogue of Purcell"s works, considered "one of the most crucial contributions to Purcell research". Each work in the catalogue is given a "Z number" which derives from Zimmerman"s surname. Zimmerman was born in Wauneta, Kansas and received his Doctor of Philosophy. from the University of Southern California in 1958.
He has been Professor of Music at Dartmouth College (1964–1967), University of Kentucky (1967–1968) and University of Pennsylvania from 1968 until his retirement.
In 1968 he founded the Pennsylvania Pro Musica ensemble.