Corey Henry

Biography

Cory Alexander Henry, born February 27, 1987 in Brooklyn, New York, is an acclaimed American jazz organist, pianist, gospel musician, and producer. A child prodigy, Henry began playing the piano and Hammond B3 organ at just two years old, and by age six, he had already performed at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, making it to the finalist round. His early exposure to gospel and jazz in Brooklyn's Unity Temple Church deeply influenced his musical foundation and improvisational prowess.[2][4][5][6]

Henry's professional career accelerated when, at nineteen, he toured as the organist for jazz legend Kenny Garrett for three years, further honing his craft and expanding his audience. He joined the experimental jazz and funk ensemble Snarky Puppy in 2012, contributing to several Grammy-winning projects and establishing himself as a versatile collaborator. In 2018, Henry launched his solo career with the album 'Art of Love,' followed by the Grammy-nominated 'Something to Say' and subsequent releases like 'Operation Funk' and 'Live at the Piano.' His style blends retro soul, jazz fusion, gospel, and R&B, drawing inspiration from icons such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, P-Funk, and James Brown.[1][3][4][5][6]

Henry's legacy is marked by his genre-defying approach, virtuosic technique, and ability to bridge traditional and contemporary sounds. He has collaborated with a wide array of artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Imagine Dragons, Kanye West, and Rosalía, and continues to inspire both peers and emerging musicians through his innovative performances and educational outreach.[1][3][5][6]

Fun Facts

• Cory Henry began playing the organ at age two and performed at the Apollo Theater at age six, reaching the finalist round.[2][4][5][6]
• His 2016 NPR Tiny Desk concert with The Funk Apostles became a viral sensation, amassing nearly 2 million views.[6]
• Henry has won multiple Grammys, including for collaborations with Snarky Puppy, Kanye West, and Rosalía.[3][6]
• He announced in 2022 that he would retire from the music business to focus on playing music for personal enjoyment.[1]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Kenny Garrett - Henry toured as Garrett's organist, gaining exposure to jazz audiences and refining his improvisational skills. (Live performances and tours) [circa 2006-2009]

Key Collaborators

• Snarky Puppy - Key member, contributing to Grammy-winning albums and global tours. (Family Dinner, We Like It Here) [2012-2018]
• The Funk Apostles - Henry's own band for solo projects and live performances. (Art of Love, NPR Tiny Desk Concert) [2016-present]
• Kanye West - Featured as organist on West's album 'Donda.' (Donda (track '24')) [2021]
• Rosalía - Collaborated on Grammy-winning project. (Collaborative recording (2023)) [2023]
• Imagine Dragons - Featured as writer and performer on multiple tracks. (Cutthroat, Follow You, Continual) [2020-2022]

Artists Influenced

• Marc E. Bassy - Henry's songwriting and production work influenced Bassy's style. (Free Like Me) [2020]
• Students at Brown University - Henry taught a songwriting workshop, sharing his creative process and musical philosophy. (Brown Arts Institute workshop) [2019]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Settle Down (with Cory Henry, Ravyn Lenae) (Luv 4 Rent)
2. Continual (feat. Cory Henry) (Mercury - Acts 1 & 2)
3. God Makes a Way
4. Happy Days (Something to Say)
5. Switch (Something to Say)
6. Butterfly [Feat. Cory Henry and Marcus Miller]
7. Fighting for Peace
8. Good To Be Alone
9. ADAM & EVE - Instrumental (DIAMONDS & FREAKS (Instrumentals))
10. Free Like Me (Little Men)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia