The records fell easily at first. Dozens of seconds peeled away with every running of a course, and I could hardly wait for the next chance to improve.

His first approach to the saxophone was under the tutelage of Herbert Murphy in high school. While attending classes of flute and bass at Wayne State University he further developed his saxophone and compositional skills under the guidance of renowned teacher Larry Teal at the Teal School of Music. Then he was sent to Maryland to conclude his draft.

In a career spanning more than forty years Henderson played with many of the leading American players of his day and recorded for several prominent labels including Blue Note. Joe Henderson (April 24 1937 – June 30 2001) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist.