Jazz vocalist and actor Bill Henderson passed away at his home in Los Angeles on Sunday April 3. Mr. Henderson was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 19, 1926. He began his professional music career in 1952, performing in Chicago with Ramsey Lewis and began recording as a leader after a move to New York in 1958. He subsequently recorded with jazz pianist Horace Silver on a vocal version of Silver's "Señor Blues" and it remains one of jazz label Blue Note's top-selling singles. Additionally, Henderson performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones and The Charlie Haden Quintet. He has recorded with Oscar Peterson, Jimmy Smith, Count Basie, Yusef Lateef, and Eddie Harris. He was under contract to the Vee Jay label between 1958 and 1961, who recorded his first album as leader, “Bill Henderson Sings” in 1958. He also has played in many jazz festivals including the Playboy Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival and the Litchfield Jazz Festival.
Starting in the 1970’s, Mr. Henderson made appearances in movies and television. He has worked on movies such as “City Slickers,” “Maverick,” “Lethal Weapon 4,” and “White Men Can’t Jump.” His TV credits include “Good Times,” “Sanford and Son,” ”The Jeffersons,” “Happy Days,” and “ER.”
Bill Henderson was 90.