Bill Henderson (performer)


William Randall Henderson was an American television and film actor, and jazz singer.

Biography

Henderson was born in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Henderson began his professional music career in 1952, performing in Chicago with Ramsey Lewis, and began recording as a leader after a move to New York in 1958. He subsequently recorded with jazz pianist Horace Silver on a vocal version of Silver's "Señor Blues" which was a jukebox hit, and remains one of jazz label Blue Note's top-selling singles. Additionally, Henderson performed and recorded with Oscar Peterson, Jimmy Smith, Count Basie, Yusef Lateef, and Eddie Harris. He was under contract to the Vee Jay label between 1958 and 1961, who recorded his first album as leader, Bill Henderson Sings, which features trumpeter Booker Little among the sidemen.
Beginning in the mid-1970s, he frequently appeared on television in supporting, usually one-time roles. His film roles have followed a similar trend — minor and supporting roles. Henderson also recorded his own vocal tracks as "King Blues" for the comedy film Get Crazy. Henderson made a guest vocal appearance on Charlie Haden's album The Art of the Song. Henderson also appeared in the films Inside Moves, City Slickers and White Men Can't Jump, among others.

Discography

Albums
Compilations
  • Something's Gotta Give - compilation of Discovery 802, and Discovery 846
  • Sings - compilation of Vee-Jay 1015, Vee-Jay 1031, and Vee-Jay International 3055
  • His Complete Vee-Jay Recordings, Volume One
  • His Complete Vee-Jay Recordings, Volume Two
Singles

Filmography

Film

Television