Joe Henderson - Definition and Overview

Joe Henderson (April 24, 1937 - June 30, 2001) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. Born in Lima, Ohio, USA, he studied music at Kentucky State College and Wayne State University before playing in Detroit at the beginning of his career. After being released from military service he ventured to New York to join the jazz scene with other notable musicians such as Horace Silver and Kenny Dorham.

Henderson was an active musician ever since the '60s well into the '90s and received all together four Grammy Awards. He was equally well known for his abilities as a soloist as well as for his compositions. His most famous performances were those of composer Billy Strayhorn's jazz standard Lush Life.