Biography
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Born
27 February 1987 (age 37)
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Born In
Brooklyn, New York, New York, United States
Cory Alexander Henry (born February 27, 1987) is a prolific American multi-instrumentalist, jazz organist, pianist, gospel musician, and music producer. Despite his relatively young age, Henry's extensive musical catalog reflects a depth and maturity that far exceeds his years. Renowned for his mastery of the organ, he started playing the instrument at a remarkably tender age of two.
Henry's musical journey began at an early age when he showcased his exceptional talent on the organ. At just six years old, he participated in the competitive environment of the Apollo Theater, impressively making it to the finalist round. This early exposure to performance set the stage for his future accomplishments.
In 2010, Henry demonstrated his production skills by co-producing Jay White's "Larger than Life." The same year marked the release of his debut album, "Christmas With You." This album, characterized by his vibrant reinterpretations of classic Christmas tunes, prominently highlighted his improvisational prowess.
His impact extended beyond solo work as he contributed significantly to Kim Burrell's acclaimed album "Love," which earned Grammy nominations and Stellar Awards in 2011. Henry played a pivotal role as a writer and producer on several tracks, showcasing his versatility and musical range.
Cory Henry is celebrated for his distinctive approach to playing the organ, characterized by its harmonically rich and unpredictable nature. His organ style draws inspiration from the virtuosic innovations of jazz pianists like Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson, setting him apart from the more traditional Hammond organ players like Jimmy Smith. This unique fusion of influences allows him to craft a novel musical language that seamlessly blends jazz and gospel genres.
Throughout his career, Henry's remarkable skills have led him to collaborate with a multitude of prominent artists across various genres. Notable collaborations include working with Yolanda Adams, Sara Bareilles, Kirk Franklin, Rob Glasper, Mary Mary, Michael McDonald, NAS, Bruce Springsteen, and The Roots, among many others. His versatility as an accompanist and a producer underscores his ability to enrich diverse musical projects.
A pivotal moment in his career arrived when, at the age of nineteen, he embarked on a three-year stint as the organist for jazz legend Kenny Garrett. This experience exposed him to new audiences and further honed his musical prowess.
Henry's television appearances include performances on BET's "Sunday's Best" and "The Jimmy Fallon Show." His impromptu performances uploaded on YouTube have garnered a dedicated following, captivated by his awe-inspiring musicality.
In 2018, he launched his solo artist career with "Art of Love," his first independent release. The album demonstrated his ability to seamlessly integrate gospel, jazz, and pop elements, a testament to his genre-spanning musical capabilities.
Presently, Henry remains an integral part of the renowned musical ensemble "Snarky Puppy," with whom he continues to tour and collaborate. He has also been actively engaged in producing projects for fellow artists.
Cory Henry's musical journey is a testament to his exceptional talent, virtuosity, and unique ability to bridge genres. As a jazz organist, pianist, gospel musician, and music producer, he continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide with his extraordinary musical contributions.
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