History of Jazz

Fletcher Henderson & Paul Whiteman

(1897-1952, 1890-1967)

Two prominent early big band leaders were Fletcher Henderson and Paul Whiteman. Both Henderson's and Whiteman's bands included some of the greatest jazz soloists of all time, including Louis Armstrong, trumpeter Bix Beiderbecke, trombonist Jack Teagarden, clarinetist and saxophonist Jimmy Dorsey, trombonist Tommy Dorsey, and tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins. However in contrast to Henderson's band, Whiteman's band was larger and his arrangements more symphonic and showy.

Did you know?

• Fletcher Henderson studied chemistry in college.
• Fletcher Henderson's nickname was "Smack."
• The Paul Whiteman big band was very large and even included a string section.
• Paul Whiteman was on of the first bandleaders to play live on the radio.
• George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue was commissioned by Paul Whiteman for performance by his big band.

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