Bill Henderson, American jazz vocalist and actor, Died at 90

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William Randall “Bill” Henderson was born on March 19, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois and died on April 3, 2016.

He was an American jazz singer and actor in television and film.

In 1952, Bill started his professional music career, performing in Chicago with Ramsey Lewis, and began recording as a leader after a move to New York in 1958.

Bill Henderson eventually recorded with jazz pianist Horace Silver on a vocal version of Silver’s “Señor Blues” which was a jukebox hit (in the mid-1950s), and remains one of jazz label Blue Note’s top-selling singles.

Also, contributed to his career, he performed and recorded with Oscar Peterson (Bill Henderson with the Oscar Peterson Trio), Jimmy Smith, Count Basie, Yusef Lateef, and Eddie Harris.

After signing a contract to the Vee Jay label between 1958 and 1961, who recorded his first album as the leader, Bill Henderson Sings (1958), which features trumpeter Booker Little among the sidemen.

A the start of 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.

Bill also recorded his own vocal tracks as “King Blues” for the comedy film Get Crazy (1983).

William made a guest vocal appearance on Charlie Haden’s album The Art of the Song (1999).

Bill Henderson passed away at 90 yrs old.