Corey Henry & The Treme Funkte

Biography

Corey Henry, born in July 1975, was raised in the historic Treme neighborhood of New Orleans, a cradle of jazz and brass band tradition. Immersed in music from a young age, he began on snare drum before switching to trombone at age 10, learning directly from family and local legends rather than through formal school programs. His grandfather played at Preservation Hall, and his uncle, Benny Jones Sr., a founder of the Treme Brass Band, became a key mentor. At 16, Henry was brought into the Treme Brass Band, where he learned the craft on stage, absorbing the traditions and energy of New Orleans music alongside musicians like Kermit Ruffins.

Henry's career blossomed as he became a sought-after trombonist, performing with the Treme Brass Band, Rebirth Brass Band (with whom he won a Grammy for the album 'Rebirth of New Orleans'), and Galactic. In 2011, he founded Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet to keep the neighborhood's musical spirit alive, blending retro soul, jazz fusion, groove, and funk. The group has become a staple of New Orleans' live music scene, earning accolades such as the Best of the Big Easy Award and the Spirit of Satchmo Music Award for their commitment to the city's musical legacy. Their debut album, 'Lapeitah,' and the Grammy-nominated 'Live at Vaughan's' showcase Henry's dynamic leadership and signature trombone style.

Henry's musical style is deeply rooted in the second line and brass band traditions of New Orleans, but he infuses it with contemporary funk, jazz, and soul influences. His legacy is one of both preservation and innovation, ensuring that the sounds of Treme continue to evolve and inspire new generations.

Fun Facts

• Corey Henry learned music directly on stage, not through rehearsals or school bands, gaining his skills in real time with legendary musicians.
• He inherited Kermit Ruffins' Thursday night residency at Vaughan's Lounge, a key New Orleans music venue.
• Henry founded the NOLA Footwork Music Festival in 2021 to celebrate second line culture.
• His band performed on Lil Wayne's Playoff theme for the College Football Championship.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Benny Jones Sr. - Uncle and founder of the Treme Brass Band; brought Corey into the band and taught him through live performance. (Treme Brass Band performances) [Early 1990s]
• Kermit Ruffins - Mentor and bandmate; taught stage presence and professionalism. (Treme Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins albums ('The Barbecue Swingers Live', 'Swing This')) [1990s–2000s]
• Keith 'Wolf' Anderson - Legendary trombonist who helped Henry develop his unique sound. (Mentorship, live performances) [1990s]
• Revert Andrews - Trombonist mentor who contributed to Henry's stylistic development. (Mentorship, live performances) [1990s]

Key Collaborators

• June Yamagishi - Guitarist in The Treme Funktet. (Lapeitah, Live at Vaughan's) [2011–present]
• Manus Tilton - Bassist in The Treme Funktet. (Lapeitah, Live at Vaughan's) [2011–present]
• Walter Lundy - Drummer in The Treme Funktet. (Lapeitah, Live at Vaughan's) [2011–present]
• Antonio Gambrell - Trumpeter in The Treme Funktet. (Lapeitah, Live at Vaughan's) [2011–present]
• Beck Burger - Keyboardist in The Treme Funktet. (Lapeitah, Live at Vaughan's) [2011–present]
• Donald Surtain - Violinist in The Treme Funktet. (Lapeitah, Live at Vaughan's) [2011–present]
• Rebirth Brass Band - Trombonist; performed and recorded with the band. (Rebirth of New Orleans (Grammy-winning album)) [2012]
• Galactic - Funk-jazz band; Henry performed and recorded with them. (The Other Side of Midnight, Ya-Ka-May, Into The Deep) [2010–2015]

Artists Influenced

• Jazz Henry - Daughter; trumpeter in The Pinettes Brass Band and guest artist on Corey's single. (NOLA Footwork (single)) [2021–present]

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