Biography of Eddie Henderson

An assertive, frequently electrifying trumpeter who's strongly influenced by Miles Davis, Eddie Henderson's bristling lines and high voltage playing have been featured in hard bop and jazz-rock bands. Henderson's family moved from New York to San Francisco when he was 14. He studied trumpet at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music; he combined a musical and medical education, becoming a psychiatrist in 1968. While pursuing his medical requirements, Henderson worked during the summers with John Handy. But on the behest of Miles Davis, Henderson decided to forego being a full-time physician, and instead concentrate on music. He later played with Tyrone Washington and Joe Henderson before forming his own quintet. Henderson was part of Herbie Hancock's jazz-rock and electronic groups in the early '70s, and made his recording debut as a leader. He later toured with Art Blakey, worked with Mike Nock and recorded with Charles Earland, while also playing with former Hancock mates Julian Priester and Patrick Gleeson. Henderson spearheaded a predominantly rock group in the late '70s, while scoring a pop hit with the song "Prance On" in 1977. He also recorded with Richard Davis, Stanley Cowell, and Pharoah Sanders in the late '70s and early '80s. Henderson recorded with Laurent De Wilde in the '90s. He's done sessions for Capricorn, Blue Note, Capitol and IDA. Henderson has one date currently available on CD. ~ Ron Wynn