Fletcher Henderson
American jazz bandleader and composer
Born
December 18th, 1897
127 years ago
Died
December 29th, 1952
72 years ago — 55 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United States
Links & References
Contributed significantly to the development of big band jazz in the 1920s and 1930s. Pioneered the use of arrangements in jazz music, helping to transform the genre from small ensembles to larger orchestral sounds. Led the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra, which featured prominent musicians of the era, including Louis Armstrong and Coleman Hawkins. Collaborated with Bessie Smith, providing arrangements for her recordings. Played a crucial role in popularizing swing music, bridging the gap between jazz and dance music.
Led the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra
Arranged music for Bessie Smith
Pioneered big band jazz arrangements
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