Jon Hendricks

Jon Hendricks was a trailblazing jazz vocalist and lyricist often called the "Poet Laureate of Jazz" for his genius in crafting witty, sophisticated lyrics to iconic instrumental solos. Born in 1921, he rose to fame in the late 1950s as part of the groundbreaking vocal trio Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, which revolutionized jazz singing by adapting big-band arrangements into dazzling vocal harmonies (a style known as *vocalese*). His razor-sharp timing and knack for storytelling made classics like "Cloudburst" and "Twisted" unforgettable. Beyond the trio, Hendricks enjoyed a prolific solo career, collaborating with legends like Miles Davis and touring well into his 80s, as heard in lively late-career live albums like *It's Sand, Man!* and *Roll 'Em Pete*.

A master of improvisation and social commentary, Hendricks infused his music with humor and humanity, earning accolades like NEA Jazz Master honors. Even late in life, he remained a dynamic performer, evident in releases like *The Swingers!* and *Before Us*, which captured his enduring swing and charm. When he passed in 2017, he left a legacy as one of jazz’s most inventive voices—a wordsmith who turned scatting into poetry and made every lyric dance.

Genres

Vocal Jazz

Bossa Nova

Jazz

Latest Release

The Jazzy Voice of Hendricks

Jon Hendricks

Album - 7 Tracks - Released August 18, 2023