Jon Hendricks Day

September 16, 1921 – November 22, 2017

 

Airegin

Singer Jon Hendricks was born on September 16, 1921 in Newark, Ohio.

As a child, Hendricks was a local celebrity. He appeared on the radio regularly with fellow Ohio native Art Tatum.

In 1957, he formed the enormously successful vocal group Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. Their style, known as vocalese, featured Hendricks’ original lyrics to the tune of jazz standards and solos.

In 1968 pursuing a solo career, Hendricks moved his family to London in part to ensure that his five young children could receive a better education.

Following his collaboration with “The Manhattan Transfer” on their 1985 album “Vocalese”, in 2000 Jon Hendricks moved back to his home town accepting a teaching position at the University of Toledo.

Later in his career, Hendricks toured Europe and Africa, worked as the San Francisco Chronicle jazz critic, and taught at various California universities.

Jon Hendricks is featured during a late ’50s performance as a member of “Lambert, Hendricks & Ross”

Personnel:

Jon Hendricks, vocals
Dave Lambert, vocals
Annie Ross, vocals