- Born
- Died
- Birth nameLuther Lincoln Henderson Jr.
- Nickname
- Classical arm
- He graduated from The Juilliard School of Music in New York City in 1942. He composed the orchestrations for the dance numbers for the original broadway production of "Flower Drum Song" which was composed by Jule Styne and Richard Rogers. He adapted the music of Fats Waller for the original broadway production of "Ain't Misbehavin'" and served as the music director.- IMDb Mini Biography By: L. J. Allen-2
- SpousesBillie Allen(February 8, 1981 - July 29, 2003) (his death)Margo Semos(January 30, 1971 - April 1979) (her death)Steffi Henderson(September 14, 1956 - June 3, 1967) (her death, 1 child)Tealene Alma Berry(June 17, 1939 - 1956) (divorced, 2 children)
- Noted for his wearing of skipper's caps; and he always sported a goatee
- He was twice nominated for Broadway's Tony Award: in 1992, collaborating on music with 'Jelly Roll Morton' and with lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, as Best Score (Musical) for "Jelly's Last Jam;" and in 1997 for Best Orchestrations for "Play On!".
- He was a staff orchestrator for The U. S. Navy School of Music, Washington, D. C. from 1944-1946.
- He has arranged over 100 songs for The Canadian Brass.
- He and his close friend Mercer Ellington, son of Jazz great Duke Ellington, attended high school together.
- He and director-actress wife Billie Allen won Pioneer Awards at the Audelco "VIV" Awards 18 November 2002.
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