Fletcher Henderson

James Fletcher Hamilton Henderson was an American pianist, bandleader, arranger and composer, important in the development of big band jazz and swing music. He was one of the most prolific black musical arrangers and, along with Duke Ellington, is considered one of the most influential arrangers and bandleaders in jazz history. Henderson's influence was vast. He helped bridge the gap between the Dixieland and the swing eras. He was often known as "Smack" Henderson.

18 December 1897

Born on the same birth day (18 December): Akira Iida • Alfred Bester • Anzhela Balakhonova • Byron Buxton • Fatuma Roba • Giuliano Razzoli • John Booth (motor racing) • Leonid Yuzefovich • Lizzie Deignan • Roméo LeBlanc • Ron White • Rosemary Leach • Santiago Cañizares • Stone Cold Steve Austin • Usman Khawaja

Born in the same month (December 1897): Alfredo Bracchi • Drew Pearson (journalist) • Ivan Bagramyan • Margaret Chase Smith • Rewi Alley • Robert Redfield • Ville Pörhölä • Väinö Sipilä • William Gropper