Fletcher Henderson

Fletcher Hamilton Henderson, Jr. (December 18, 1897 – December 28, 1952) was an African American pianist, bandleader, arranger and composer, important in the development of big band jazz and Swing music

Fletcher Hamilton Henderson, Jr. (December 18, 1897 – December 28, 1952) was an African American pianist, bandleader, arranger and composer, important in the development of big band jazz and Swing music.

Henderson was born in Cuthbert, Georgia. His father was a principal and his mother taught piano. He attended Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia and graduated in 1920. After graduation, he moved to New York City to attend Columbia University for a master's degree in chemistry. However, he found his job prospects in chemistry to be very restricted due to his race, and turned to music for a living.