Fletcher Henderson

Written By Herbert Snow

The Other King of Swing

Explore seminal recordings to discover how Henderson and his Orchestra broke through music industry segregation to influence popular music across the country and the world.

Fletcher Henderson wrote and played piano on many recordings by Blues singers like Clara Smith and Bessie Smith. By 1923, he had already played on more recordings than any other Black musician in the short history of recorded music. But his real impact on American music and culture was yet to come.

Henderson and his Orchestra broke through music industry segregation to influence popular music across the country and the world. They pioneered the sophisticated approach that led to the big sound of the 30s: Swing Jazz.

In this Episode, students will:

  • Analyze Fletcher Henderson’s “Do Doodle Oom”, an early Fletcher Henderson recording where one can hear early hints of what would become Swing Jazz.

  • Explore Henderson’s career and impact through photographs and music.

Herbert Snow
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