Bill Henderson

Biography

Bill Henderson, born William Randall Henderson on March 19, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois, was a celebrated American jazz vocalist and actor whose career spanned more than six decades. He began singing as a child and launched his professional music career in the early 1950s, performing with the Ramsey Lewis Trio in Chicago before relocating to New York in 1958. Henderson quickly made his mark in the jazz world with his soulful phrasing and distinctive vocal style, notably recording a hit vocal version of Horace Silver’s 'Señor Blues' for Blue Note Records in the mid-1950s, which became one of the label’s top-selling singles. His debut album as a leader, 'Bill Henderson Sings' (1958), featured trumpeter Booker Little and established him as a rising star in vocal jazz.[1][2][3][4][5][7]

Throughout his career, Henderson collaborated with many of jazz’s greatest figures, including Oscar Peterson, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Smith, Yusef Lateef, and Eddie Harris. His 1963 album 'Bill Henderson with the Oscar Peterson Trio' is widely regarded as a classic. Henderson’s artistry was characterized by his nuanced phrasing and ability to imbue each lyric with emotional depth, drawing comparisons to Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Johnny Hartman. In addition to his musical achievements, Henderson enjoyed a successful parallel career as a film and television actor, appearing in productions such as 'City Slickers,' 'White Men Can’t Jump,' and 'Lethal Weapon 4.' He continued to perform at major jazz festivals and prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center well into his later years, leaving a lasting legacy as a master interpreter of the American songbook.[1][2][3][4][5][7]

Fun Facts

• Henderson began performing as a singer and dancer at age 4, influenced by his father who taught him the value of singing softly.[5]
• He was encouraged to pursue acting by his friend Bill Cosby, leading to a successful second career in film and television.[4]
• Henderson's phrasing was so distinctive that music journalist Leonard Feather remarked it was 'virtually his own copyright.'[4]
• He performed at major jazz festivals such as the Playboy Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, and Litchfield Jazz Festival, and was honored by the Philadelphia Swing Dance Society for his recordings.[2][4]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Ramsey Lewis - Early collaborator and influence; performed together in Chicago during the start of Henderson's career. (Live performances in Chicago jazz clubs) [Early 1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Horace Silver - Recorded the hit vocal version of 'Señor Blues' together, which became a jazz classic. ('Señor Blues' (Blue Note single)) [1958]
• Oscar Peterson Trio - Recorded a highly acclaimed album together. ('Bill Henderson with the Oscar Peterson Trio' (1963)) [1963]
• Count Basie - Performed and recorded together during Henderson's career. (Live performances and recordings) [1960s]
• Charlie Haden - Guest vocalist on Haden's album and toured together. ('The Art of the Song' (1999)) [1999]
• Jimmy Smith - Collaborated on recordings and live performances. (Various jazz sessions) [1960s]
• Yusef Lateef - Performed and recorded together. (Various jazz sessions) [1960s]
• Eddie Harris - Collaborated on jazz recordings. (Various jazz sessions) [1960s]

Artists Influenced

• Younger jazz vocalists (e.g., Gregory Porter, Kurt Elling) - Cited as an inspiration for his interpretive skill and phrasing, though not direct students. (General influence on modern jazz vocal style) [2000s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. I've Got A Crush On You (Bill Henderson With The Oscar Peterson Trio (Expanded Edition))
2. At Long Last Love (Bill Henderson With The Oscar Peterson Trio (Expanded Edition))
3. The Lamp Is Low (Bill Henderson With The Oscar Peterson Trio (Expanded Edition))
4. You Are My Sunshine (Bill Henderson With The Oscar Peterson Trio (Expanded Edition))
5. Gravy Waltz (Bill Henderson With The Oscar Peterson Trio (Expanded Edition))
6. I've Got A Crush On You
7. All Or Nothing At All (Bill Henderson With The Oscar Peterson Trio (Expanded Edition))
8. I Wish You Love (Bill Henderson With The Oscar Peterson Trio (Expanded Edition))
9. A Lot Of Livin To Do (Bill Henderson With The Oscar Peterson Trio (Expanded Edition))
10. I See Your Face Before Me (Bill Henderson With The Oscar Peterson Trio (Expanded Edition))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia