Fletcher Henderson

Definition

Fletcher Henderson was a prominent American jazz pianist, bandleader, and arranger, known for his significant contributions to the development of big band jazz in the 1920s and 1930s. His innovative arrangements and orchestration helped shape the sound of early jazz and influenced many musicians, including Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman. Henderson's work laid the groundwork for the swing era and had a lasting impact on jazz music as a whole.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fletcher Henderson was born in 1897 in Cuthbert, Georgia, and studied chemistry at Atlanta University before pursuing music professionally.
2. He formed his own band in 1924, which became one of the first big bands in jazz history, playing at venues such as the Roseland Ballroom in New York City.
3. Henderson's arrangements often featured call-and-response patterns, showcasing the interplay between different sections of the band.
4. He was instrumental in bringing together some of the best jazz musicians of his time, including Coleman Hawkins and Louis Armstrong, helping to elevate their careers.
5. Henderson's innovative use of harmonies and orchestration influenced not only jazz but also popular music in general, leaving a legacy that continues to be felt today.

Review Questions

• How did Fletcher Henderson's arrangements contribute to the development of big band jazz?
  • Fletcher Henderson's arrangements were crucial to the evolution of big band jazz because they introduced sophisticated harmonic structures and innovative orchestration techniques. His use of call-and-response patterns helped create a lively interaction between different sections of the band. These elements not only enhanced the sound but also set new standards for ensemble playing that would define big band music in later years.
• Discuss Fletcher Henderson's role in shaping the careers of other prominent jazz musicians during his time.
  • Fletcher Henderson played a significant role in shaping the careers of many key figures in jazz history. By hiring talented musicians like Louis Armstrong and Coleman Hawkins for his band, he provided them with exposure to larger audiences and opportunities to showcase their skills. His support and mentorship helped these musicians grow artistically, contributing to their eventual success as leading figures in the jazz genre.
• Evaluate how Fletcher Henderson's contributions to music reflect broader changes in American society during the early 20th century.
  • Fletcher Henderson's contributions to music mirror broader societal changes in early 20th-century America, particularly regarding racial integration and cultural exchange. His role in popularizing big band jazz coincided with the Harlem Renaissance, a time when African American culture gained prominence and recognition. Henderson's innovative approach to jazz not only showcased African American artistry but also facilitated a blending of musical styles that appealed to diverse audiences, thus promoting cultural unity amidst societal challenges.

Related terms

Big Band: A type of large musical ensemble that became popular in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by its arrangement for brass, woodwinds, and rhythm sections.

Swing Era: A period from the late 1930s to the early 1940s marked by the popularity of swing music, which emphasized a strong rhythm and lively melodies.

Arranger: A musician who takes a piece of music and reworks it for performance by a group, often adapting melodies, harmonies, and instrumentation.