Born Today: Fletcher Henderson [by Archie Rand]

Fletcher Henderson pioneered in the transformation of Dixieland to a highly sophisticated “big band” music. Hiring great soloists, like Louis Armstrong, had him direct Don Redman to write complex orchestral arrangements. Recognition of the skill required to produce this music helped erase racial stereotypes about jazz artists, who attained cross-cultural status. The influence of these almost 100 year old arrangements continues this day! (Eighty years ago Henderson hired Sun Ra as an arranger(!) Benny Goodman used many Henderson arrangements and hired him as composer and pianist, further subverting racist norms. One of the most important musical figures of the twentieth century, Fletcher Henderson was born on December 18th. HAPPY BIRTHDAY FLETCHER HENDERSON!!!!! -- Archie Rand

Ed. note: Jazz and big bands integrated a decade before major league baseball and the US Army.