Horace Henderson & His Orchestra

b. 22 November 1904, Cuthbert, Georgia, USA, d. 29 August 1988, Denver, Colorado, USA. After studying music formally, Henderson led a college band in semi-professional engagements and this eventually became a full-time occupation. The band met with variable success and from time to time Henderson gave up and played piano in other bands, sometimes handing over the leadership. Among the beneficiaries of his changing fortunes were Don Redman and Benny Carter. In 1933 he joined the band led by his elder brother, Fletcher Henderson, for whom he wrote many arrangements, although credit sometimes went astray through confusion over names. He also wrote extensively for other big bands of the swing era. In the late 30s Henderson was again active as a band leader and resumed once more after military service in World War II. He spent some time as accompanist to Lena Horne, and in the 50s continued to lead a big band, avoiding the decline in business by working in theatrical shows and casinos. Inevitably overshadowed by his brother, Horace Henderson was an effective, if less innovative, arranger and a better pianist than Fletcher. He continued to lead a band, mostly in Colorado, throughout the 60s and into the 70s.