Ernie Henry

Ernie Henry (born Ernest Albert Henry, September 3, 1926 – December 29, 1957) was an American jazz saxophonist. Between 1950 and 1951, Henry performed in the band of Illinois Jacquet while seeking freelance performance opportunities. Henry later returned to play with Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Kenny Dorham, Kenny Drew, Wynton Kelly, Wilbur Ware, Art Taylor, Philly Joe Jones and Gillespie again (1956–57). He recorded three albums as a leader for the Riverside label shortly before his death at the end of 1957.

Henry died in his sleep, aged 31. A heroin overdose was alleged, but it is known that he suffered from unusually high blood pressure and suffered ill health.

Discography Presenting Ernie Henry (Riverside, 1956) Seven Standards and a Blues (Riverside, 1957) Last Chorus (Riverside, 1957) 2 Horns / 2 Rhythm (Riverside, 1957) with Kenny Dorham

As sideman With Matthew Gee Jazz by Gee (Riverside, 1956) With Dizzy Gillespie The Complete RCA Victor Recordings (Bluebird, 1937–1949 Gene Norman Presents Dizzy Gillespie in Concert (GNP Crescendo, 1948) Dizzy in Greece (Verve, 1957) Birks' Works (Verve, 1957) Dizzy Gillespie at Newport (Verve, 1957) With Thelonious Monk Brilliant Corners (Riverside, 1957) With James Moody James Moody and his Modernists (Blue Note 1952) With Fats Navarro Memorial Album (Blue Note 1951 later released on 12 inch LP in 1956 as The Fabulous Fats Navarro) Memorial (Savoy 1955)