Michael Henderson
OFFICIAL LEGACY INDEX
The Official Archive of the Estate of Michael Henderson
The Official Archive of the Estate of Michael Henderson
The Official Archive of the Estate of Michael Henderson
"Authorized registry of master tracks, session contributors, and historical catalog assets.
"Authorized registry of master tracks, session contributors, and historical catalog assets.
THE LEGACY
THE LEGACY
MICHEAL HENDERSON
Born in Yazoo City and raised through Detroit’s fierce music network, Michael Henderson found his voice and his bass, laying the groove that would define decades.
By his mid-teens he was already in rooms with Stevie Wonder, and moved through a Detroit orbit that also shaped Marvin Gaye. His tone helped shape the future of jazz fusion, becoming the pulse of a new movement alongside Miles Davis.
His sound echoes across generations and genres, connecting classic R&B, Jazz Fusion to modern Hip Hop, and Pop. A soulful vocalist, bassist, and composer whose catalog blends classic albums, hit singles, collaborations, and official licensing opportunities.
MICHEAL HENDERSON
Born in Yazoo City and raised through Detroit’s fierce music network, Michael Henderson found his voice and his bass, laying the groove that would define decades.
By his mid-teens he was already in rooms with Stevie Wonder, and moved through a Detroit orbit that also shaped Marvin Gaye. His tone helped shape the future of jazz fusion, becoming the pulse of a new movement alongside Miles Davis.
His sound echoes across generations and genres, connecting classic R&B, Jazz Fusion to modern Hip Hop, and Pop. A soulful vocalist, bassist, and composer whose catalog blends classic albums, hit singles, collaborations, and official licensing opportunities.
OFFICIAL INDEX
The Master Index
The Master Index
The Master Index
Solo catalog
1976
Starship
Album / catalog highlight
"An iconic track from the Starship album (1976), officially recognized as a core piece of Michael Henderson’s bass-led R&B and jazz-fusion legacy."
Written & Arranged By: Michael Henderson. Strings: Michael Henderson & Gary Bartz. Lead Vocals, Bass: Michael Henderson. Saxophone: Gary Bartz. Drums: Norman Connors. Electric Piano: Onaje Allan Gumbs. Guitar: Keith Loving. Flute: Art Webb.
Stream / Listen
Catalog
Solo catalog
1976
Starship
Album / catalog highlight
"An iconic track from the Starship album (1976), officially recognized as a core piece of Michael Henderson’s bass-led R&B and jazz-fusion legacy."
Written & Arranged By: Michael Henderson. Strings: Michael Henderson & Gary Bartz. Lead Vocals, Bass: Michael Henderson. Saxophone: Gary Bartz. Drums: Norman Connors. Electric Piano: Onaje Allan Gumbs. Guitar: Keith Loving. Flute: Art Webb.
Stream / Listen
Catalog
Norman Connors collaboration
1976
Valentine Love
Featured duet performance
Michael Henderson’s landmark romantic duet-era performance, included here as a technical credit reference for catalog research and licensing review.
Written & Arranged By: Michael Henderson. Lead Duet Vocals: Michael Henderson & Jean Carn. Bass Guitar: Michael Henderson. Drums: Jerry Jones. Keyboards: Hubert Eaves. Produced By: Skip Drinkwater & Michael Henderson.
Stream / Listen
Licensing
Norman Connors collaboration
1976
Valentine Love
Featured duet performance
Michael Henderson’s landmark romantic duet-era performance, included here as a technical credit reference for catalog research and licensing review.
Written & Arranged By: Michael Henderson. Lead Duet Vocals: Michael Henderson & Jean Carn. Bass Guitar: Michael Henderson. Drums: Jerry Jones. Keyboards: Hubert Eaves. Produced By: Skip Drinkwater & Michael Henderson.
Stream / Listen
Licensing
Solo catalog
1980
Wide Receiver
Album / catalog highlight
A signature solo album capturing Henderson’s transition into R&B stardom. Officially archived as a centerpiece of his 1980 solo output."
Written, Arranged & Produced By: Michael Henderson. Rhythm Charts: Michael Henderson & Randall Jacobs. Strings: Johnny Allen. Lead Vocals & Bass: Michael Henderson. Guitars: Randall Jacobs. Keyboards: Ernestro Wilson, Gary Nester. Drums: Bobby Franklin, Ollie E. Brown. Saxophone: Eli Fontaine.
Stream / Listen
Catalog
Solo catalog
1980
Wide Receiver
Album / catalog highlight
A signature solo album capturing Henderson’s transition into R&B stardom. Officially archived as a centerpiece of his 1980 solo output."
Written, Arranged & Produced By: Michael Henderson. Rhythm Charts: Michael Henderson & Randall Jacobs. Strings: Johnny Allen. Lead Vocals & Bass: Michael Henderson. Guitars: Randall Jacobs. Keyboards: Ernestro Wilson, Gary Nester. Drums: Bobby Franklin, Ollie E. Brown. Saxophone: Eli Fontaine.
Stream / Listen
Catalog
Solo catalog
1978
In the Night-Time
Album / catalog highlight
A quintessential late-70s solo release, officially curated for its blend of smooth R&B production and Henderson’s iconic bass presence.
Written, Arranged & Produced By: Michael Henderson. Guitar, Vocals: Michael Henderson. Guitar: Randall Jacobs, Ray Parker Jr. Backing Vocals: Barbara Ingram, Yvette Benton, Paula Benson. Drums: Jerry Jones, Keith Benson. Keyboards: Gary Crista, Rudy Robinson. Organ: Rod Lumpkin. Saxophone: Eli Fontaine. Trumpet: Evan Solot.
Stream / Listen
Catalog
Solo catalog
1978
In the Night-Time
Album / catalog highlight
A quintessential late-70s solo release, officially curated for its blend of smooth R&B production and Henderson’s iconic bass presence.
Written, Arranged & Produced By: Michael Henderson. Guitar, Vocals: Michael Henderson. Guitar: Randall Jacobs, Ray Parker Jr. Backing Vocals: Barbara Ingram, Yvette Benton, Paula Benson. Drums: Jerry Jones, Keith Benson. Keyboards: Gary Crista, Rudy Robinson. Organ: Rod Lumpkin. Saxophone: Eli Fontaine. Trumpet: Evan Solot.
Stream / Listen
Catalog
Jazz fusion
Official era
Miles Davis Era
Bass / collaboration era
Definitive jazz-fusion era. Henderson’s bass work redefined the electric-era Miles Davis sound; an essential pillar of his official legacy."
Bass Guitar & Live Electric Grooves: Michael Henderson. Definitive studio & live jazz-fusion masterworks spanning 1970-1975. Featured historical sessions include: "Jack Johnson", "Live-Evil", "On The Corner", "Big Fun", "Agharta", and "Pangaea".
Citation / Archive
Biography
Jazz fusion
Official era
Miles Davis Era
Bass / collaboration era
Definitive jazz-fusion era. Henderson’s bass work redefined the electric-era Miles Davis sound; an essential pillar of his official legacy."
Bass Guitar & Live Electric Grooves: Michael Henderson. Definitive studio & live jazz-fusion masterworks spanning 1970-1975. Featured historical sessions include: "Jack Johnson", "Live-Evil", "On The Corner", "Big Fun", "Agharta", and "Pangaea".
Citation / Archive
Biography
Jazz fusion
Official era
Miles Davis Era
Bass / collaboration era
Definitive jazz-fusion era. Henderson’s bass work redefined the electric-era Miles Davis sound; an essential pillar of his official legacy."
Bass Guitar & Live Electric Grooves: Michael Henderson. Definitive studio & live jazz-fusion masterworks spanning 1970-1975. Featured historical sessions include: "Jack Johnson", "Live-Evil", "On The Corner", "Big Fun", "Agharta", and "Pangaea".
Citation / Archive
Biography
Modern influence
Ongoing
Recent Samples
Influence / sampling
"An enduring sonic legacy. Henderson’s bass lines remain among the most sampled in music history, bridging classic jazz-fusion with modern hip-hop and R&B."
Stream / Listen
Licensing
Modern influence
Ongoing
Recent Samples
Influence / sampling
"An enduring sonic legacy. Henderson’s bass lines remain among the most sampled in music history, bridging classic jazz-fusion with modern hip-hop and R&B."
Stream / Listen
Licensing
Modern releases
2025
Remix Collection
Official catalog expansion
"A contemporary expansion of the official catalog. Curated by the estate to present foundational grooves through a modern lens, maintaining the integrity of the original masters."
Citation / Archive
Catalog
Modern releases
2025
Remix Collection
Official catalog expansion
"A contemporary expansion of the official catalog. Curated by the estate to present foundational grooves through a modern lens, maintaining the integrity of the original masters."
Citation / Archive
Catalog
Modern releases
2025
Remix Collection
Official catalog expansion
"A contemporary expansion of the official catalog. Curated by the estate to present foundational grooves through a modern lens, maintaining the integrity of the original masters."
Citation / Archive
Catalog
Early story
Official biography
Detroit Beginnings
Origin / biography
"The formative chapter of Henderson’s musical narrative. Rooted in the rich, collaborative environment of Detroit, this period established the foundational bass voice that would influence generations of R&B and jazz-fusion."
Marvin Gaye& Michael Henderson
Stream / Listen
Biography
Early story
Official biography
Detroit Beginnings
Origin / biography
"The formative chapter of Henderson’s musical narrative. Rooted in the rich, collaborative environment of Detroit, this period established the foundational bass voice that would influence generations of R&B and jazz-fusion."
Marvin Gaye& Michael Henderson
Stream / Listen
Biography
R&B
1976
R&B Pioneer
Artist legacy
"Formally recognized for his transformative impact on 1970s R&B. Henderson’s work as a session bassist and solo artist bridged the gap between complex jazz textures and chart-topping soul."
Citation / Archive
Biography
R&B
1976
R&B Pioneer
Artist legacy
"Formally recognized for his transformative impact on 1970s R&B. Henderson’s work as a session bassist and solo artist bridged the gap between complex jazz textures and chart-topping soul."
Citation / Archive
Biography
R&B
1976
R&B Pioneer
Artist legacy
"Formally recognized for his transformative impact on 1970s R&B. Henderson’s work as a session bassist and solo artist bridged the gap between complex jazz textures and chart-topping soul."
Citation / Archive
Biography
Jazz fusion
Official legacy
Jazz Fusion Innovator
Genre influence
The official site describes Henderson as a jazz fusion innovator and a pulse of a new movement.
Citation / Archive
Biography
Jazz fusion
Official legacy
Jazz Fusion Innovator
Genre influence
The official site describes Henderson as a jazz fusion innovator and a pulse of a new movement.
Citation / Archive
Biography
Jazz fusion
Official legacy
Jazz Fusion Innovator
Genre influence
The official site describes Henderson as a jazz fusion innovator and a pulse of a new movement.
Citation / Archive
Biography
Solo catalog
1976
Solid
Solo album
"A cornerstone of the 1976 Buddah Records output. This album serves as a definitive reference for Henderson’s transition into his celebrated solo career."
Stream / Listen
Licensing
Solo catalog
1976
Solid
Solo album
"A cornerstone of the 1976 Buddah Records output. This album serves as a definitive reference for Henderson’s transition into his celebrated solo career."
Stream / Listen
Licensing
Solo catalog
1977
Goin’ Places
Solo album
"An essential 1977 release that further solidified Henderson’s solo identity. Officially archived for its technical production quality and lasting influence on the smooth soul genr
Stream / Listen
Licensing
Solo catalog
1977
Goin’ Places
Solo album
"An essential 1977 release that further solidified Henderson’s solo identity. Officially archived for its technical production quality and lasting influence on the smooth soul genr
Stream / Listen
Licensing
Solo catalog
1979
Do It All
Solo album
"A 1979 solo catalog centerpiece. This work showcases Henderson’s expanded mastery of songwriting and groove, maintained in the estate archive for licensing and research purposes."
Stream / Listen
Licensing
Solo catalog
1979
Do It All
Solo album
"A 1979 solo catalog centerpiece. This work showcases Henderson’s expanded mastery of songwriting and groove, maintained in the estate archive for licensing and research purposes."
Stream / Listen
Licensing
Solo catalog
1981
Slingshot
Solo album
"A representative entry from the early-1980s solo catalog. This album is preserved in the estate archive to provide a comprehensive view of Henderson’s evolving sound and production style
Stream / Listen
Licensing
Solo catalog
1981
Slingshot
Solo album
"A representative entry from the early-1980s solo catalog. This album is preserved in the estate archive to provide a comprehensive view of Henderson’s evolving sound and production style
Stream / Listen
Licensing
Solo catalog
1983
Fickle
Solo album
"A 1983 solo release included in the official archive to maintain catalog continuity, highlighting Henderson's ability to navigate the changing landscape of 80s R&B.
Stream / Listen
Licensing
Solo catalog
1983
Fickle
Solo album
"A 1983 solo release included in the official archive to maintain catalog continuity, highlighting Henderson's ability to navigate the changing landscape of 80s R&B.
Stream / Listen
Licensing
Solo catalog
1986
Bedtime Stories
Solo album
"The 1986 solo album documenting Henderson's later creative period, archived here for discovery by producers, researchers, and licensing partners."
Stream / Listen
Licensing
Solo catalog
1986
Bedtime Stories
Solo album
"The 1986 solo album documenting Henderson's later creative period, archived here for discovery by producers, researchers, and licensing partners."
Stream / Listen
Licensing
Norman Connors collaboration
1976
You Are My Starship
Featured vocal performance
Norman Connors landmark recording closely associated with Henderson’s vocal legacy and included here as a collaboration-era archive reference.
Stream / Listen
Licensing
Norman Connors collaboration
1976
You Are My Starship
Featured vocal performance
Norman Connors landmark recording closely associated with Henderson’s vocal legacy and included here as a collaboration-era archive reference.
Stream / Listen
Licensing
Miles Davis era
1971
A Tribute to Jack Johnson
Landmark collaboration era
"A landmark in the electric-era Miles Davis discography. Henderson’s bass contributions on this recording are widely cited as foundational to the evolution of jazz-fusion."
Citation / Archive
Citation
Miles Davis era
1971
A Tribute to Jack Johnson
Landmark collaboration era
"A landmark in the electric-era Miles Davis discography. Henderson’s bass contributions on this recording are widely cited as foundational to the evolution of jazz-fusion."
Citation / Archive
Citation
Miles Davis era
1971
A Tribute to Jack Johnson
Landmark collaboration era
"A landmark in the electric-era Miles Davis discography. Henderson’s bass contributions on this recording are widely cited as foundational to the evolution of jazz-fusion."
Citation / Archive
Citation
Miles Davis era
1972
On the Corner
Landmark collaboration era
"A pivotal recording in the Miles Davis electric period. Henderson’s rhythmic foundation on this project is recognized as a key element of the era’s funk-forward jazz-fusion context."
Citation / Archive
Citation
Miles Davis era
1972
On the Corner
Landmark collaboration era
"A pivotal recording in the Miles Davis electric period. Henderson’s rhythmic foundation on this project is recognized as a key element of the era’s funk-forward jazz-fusion context."
Citation / Archive
Citation
Miles Davis era
1972
On the Corner
Landmark collaboration era
"A pivotal recording in the Miles Davis electric period. Henderson’s rhythmic foundation on this project is recognized as a key element of the era’s funk-forward jazz-fusion context."
Citation / Archive
Citation
Miles Davis era
1975
Agharta
Landmark collaboration era
"A definitive Miles Davis live electric-era document. Included in the estate archive as an essential reference for Henderson’s legendary bass-led performance style."
Citation / Archive
Citation
Miles Davis era
1975
Agharta
Landmark collaboration era
"A definitive Miles Davis live electric-era document. Included in the estate archive as an essential reference for Henderson’s legendary bass-led performance style."
Citation / Archive
Citation
Miles Davis era
1975
Agharta
Landmark collaboration era
"A definitive Miles Davis live electric-era document. Included in the estate archive as an essential reference for Henderson’s legendary bass-led performance style."
Citation / Archive
Citation
© 2026 Estate of Michael Earl Henderson