Friday, April 16, 2010

Fletcher Henderson

Fletcher Henderson, tempera on paper, 1942, as reproduced in our third anthology, The Sweetly Diabolic Art of Jim Flora. In the 1920s, exploring ideas gleaned from orchestra leader Paul Whiteman, pianist Henderson created the template for what evolved into the jazz "swing" big bands of the 1930s. He was one of the most influential musicians/bandleaders of the 1920s, but others achieved greater and more lasting fame developing concepts pioneered by Henderson.

Flora, a lifelong jazz enthusiast, rendered a number of works named after Henderson, including at least two sketches and two paintings.

The original was purchased from the artist by Eric Kohler in the 1990s. We thank Eric for providing the work for reproduction.

1 comment:

Ernie said...

I'm having a lot of trouble finding Fletcher Henderson in this painting. I see a few musical instruments, a steam whistle, a music stand, maybe a boot, but no jazz musicians. Oh, and an alligator. I must need some stronger medication.