Skip to main content

Jimmy Henderson Biography

jimmy-henderson
  • Born: in Wichita Falls, TX
  • Years Active: 1940s-1980s
  • Genre: Jazz

The fan base of bandleader Glenn Miller, in the mood to continue listening to his music for decades following his death, know this Jimmy Henderson well. He was the commander in chief of the posthumous Glenn Miller Orchestra for the second-half of the '70s. Also a skilled trombonist, this Henderson should not be confused with the '30s and '40s singer and songwriter of the same name. Henderson's mother started him out on music with piano lessons at the age of six; trombone began several years later courtesy of a cooperative high-school band director, as if there was any other kind. By 13, Henderson was already a member of the musician's union -- while his friends hung around skipping rocks, he was getting paid to play trombone, and was first chair at that, with the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra. Soon there was nothing left to do but to start his own band; his establishment of the Jimmy Henderson Orchestra more a pragmatic response to the growing demand for dance bands in the area than a massive expression of teen ego. Meanwhile, the trombonist continued entering and winning contests as a soloist: anyone with a jaw not flapping downward at this point should be reminded that Henderson was only 14-years-old, and only months away from receiving a scholarship to the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. The degree he would fold up and put in his pocket was one aspect of his training, the next would be years of touring with big band leaders including Hal McIntyre, Jimmy Dorsey, Tommy Dorsey, and the combined Dorsey Brothers Orchestra. In early 1954, the trombonist relocated to Los Angeles where he put in a good two decades of studio work. Listeners who pick out a trombone on the Bonanza soundtrack -- and yes, trombones do hover above the Ponderosa Ranch from time to time -- might very well be hearing this artist at work. He also started up his own orchestra, running it for 15 years before beginning his collaboration with the Glenn Miller Orchestra. The Henderson outfit was particularly known for providing music on television specials such as the Emmy Awards show. He retired in 1980. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, Rovi

Advertisement