Russ Henderson
Russ Henderson has been a primary force in jazz, calypso and steelband in England for over half a century. He was born in the Belmont neighborhood of Port of Spain, Trinidad, in 1924 and learned to play the piano as a youth. By the late 1940s, he had formed his own quartet. He frequently accompanied calypso singers when they performed at officers' clubs on the American bases. He also served as a bandleader for recordings of calypsonians by the Sa Gomes company and was the regular pianist for Beryl McBurnie's dance troupe at the Little Carib Theatre.
In 1951 Henderson left Trinidad for England to study piano tuning. However,
he soon turned to developing a career as a jazz and calypso performer.
He backed Lord Kitchener, Lion, Invader, Terror and other calypso artists
in recording sessions. Meanwhile, he led an ensemble that could perform
as either a jazz band or a steelband. The group played at clubs and parties
in London and throughout England. In 1952 Henderson traveled with Boscoe
Holder's dance troupe on a fortnight tour of the Continent. He later accompanied
Lion when he gave lecture/concerts in England. During the 1960s, Henderson
appeared regularly in the "Sunday School" jazz/calypso sessions
at the Coleherne pub in London. He was also instrumental in the establishment
of the Notting Hill Carnival. Henderson continues to appear as a jazz
pianist in London to this day.
