Music II - Father of Big Band Jazz

When did Fletcher Henderson start working in music?

While living in New York for his master’s at Columbia University

What was Henderson’s first music job?

Demonstrating songs for a music publisher

Which company did Henderson work with that was the first Black-owned recording company?

Black Swan

How did Henderson unintentionally start his career as a bandleader?

He assembled ensembles to accompany singers for Black Swan

Which famous musician did Henderson bring from Chicago to New York?

Louis Armstrong

Where did Armstrong play with Henderson’s group?

Roseland Ballroom in New York

How did Armstrong influence Henderson’s band?

Inspired other members to imitate his energy and style

Which style’s foundations did Henderson help build?

Swing style

What innovation did Henderson introduce with ensemble size?

Increased size of ensemble, creating the “Big Band”

What is sectional writing or block voicing?

Treating each section (woodwinds vs brass) as a harmonized unit

Who was Henderson’s key arranger?

Don Redman

Which techniques did Henderson’s band use like Basie?

Call-and-response exchanges between sections and extensive use of riffs

How was Henderson’s music regarded?

Challenging and hard to play; far from improvised New Orleans jazz

What did Leora Henderson say about the band?

It was an honor to be in the band; it had the hardest music in the business

What effect did Henderson’s band have on Harlem musicians?

Encouraged learning to read music and serious practice for two years

Which famous musician played in Henderson’s band in 1925?

Louis Armstrong