Fletcher Henderson, born James Fletcher Hamilton Henderson Jr. on December 18, 1897, in Cuthbert, Georgia, is widely revered as a pivotal figure in the development of big band jazz and swing music. Initially pursuing a career in chemistry, Henderson's musical talent soon redirected his path toward a life steeped in harmony and rhythm. By the 1920s, he became a prominent bandleader, composer, and arranger in New York City, becoming an influential force in the Harlem Renaissance. His band served as a proving ground for some of the most notable jazz musicians of the time, including Louis Armstrong, Coleman Hawkins, and Benny Carter.

Henderson's arrangements and compositions set the framework for the swing era, and his ability to fuse intricate brass and reed sections with a driving rhythm section helped standardize the big band format. While his career experienced peaks and valleys, Henderson's contributions to the development of jazz are undeniable. His sophisticated arrangements and innovative use of call-and-response patterns between sections of the band helped elevate jazz from the dance halls to the concert halls. Despite passing away on December 29, 1952, Henderson's legacy lives on through an impressive discography that includes cherished recordings like "Smack is Back!" and comprehensive collections such as "Anthology: The Definitive Collection (Remastered)." Though his recordings have been remastered and reissued over the years, they continue to encapsulate the pioneering spirit and musical genius of Fletcher Henderson, the architect of big band swing.

Genres

Big Band

Dixieland

Harlem Renaissance

Hot Jazz

Jazz Piano

Ragtime

Swing

Vintage Jazz

Latest Release

The Ultimate Jazz Archive, Vol. VII [Audiophile Edition]

Fletcher Henderson

Album - 20 Tracks - Released February 8, 2024