Henderson, Luther, 1919-2003

Luther Henderson (b. March 14, 1919, in Kansas City, Mo.; d. July 29, 2003, in New York City) was an arranger, orchestrator, conductor, music director, and composer.

From the description of Luther Henderson papers, circa 1930-2003 (bulk 1960-1995). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 767826594

Biographical Note

• 1919, Mar. 14: Born, Kansas City, Mo.
• 1936 - 1938 : Attended College of the City of New York
• 1939, June 17: Married Tealene Nee Berry
• 1940, Dec. 24: Son Denson born
• 1942: B.S., in music, Juilliard School of Music, New York, N.Y.
• 1944 - 1946 : Staff orchestrator, U.S. Navy School of Music, Washington, D.C.
• 1946 - 1947 : M.A., in music, New York University
• 1950, Mar. 19: Son Luther born
• 1956, Sept. 14: Married Stevie (Muriel) Melzer
• 1957, Sept. 20: Daughter Melanie born
• 1958: Composed arrangements for Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song
• 1960: Composed arrangements for Do Re Mi
• 1971, Jan. 30: Married Margo Semos
• 1978: Arranger and orchestrator for Ain't Misbehavin'
• 1981, Feb. 8: Married actress Billie Allen
• 1988 - 1989 : Conducted and played piano for Broadway revival of Ain't Misbehavin'
• 1992: Jelly's Last Jam nominated for Tony Award for best score
• 1992: Jelly's Last Jam wins Drama Desk Award for outstanding orchestration
• 1997: Play On! nominated for Tony Award for best orchestration
• 1999 - 2000 : Collaborated with Sir Simon Rattle, Lena Horne, and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra on performances and recordings of Classic Ellington
• 2002: Henderson and Billie Allen honored with a Pioneer Award at the AUDELCO "VIV" Awards
• 2003: Little Ham nominated for Drama Desk Award for outstanding orchestration
• 2003, July 29: Died, New York City
• 2004: Posthumously honored with a Jazz Masters Award by the National Endowment for the Arts

From the guide to the Luther Henderson Papers, circa 1930-2003, (bulk 1960-1995), (Music Division Library of Congress)