Henry Franklin at Friday Night Concert Series at The World Stage

Henry Franklin Birthday Celebration
Featuring Nolan Shaheed, Theo Saunders, Teodross Avery

Friday, October 3, 2025
Show 8:30PM, Doors 8PM

Henry “Skipper” Franklin is a legendary American jazz bassist whose luminous career has made him one of the most influential heartbeats of the music. He first gained international recognition playing on Hugh Masekela’s 1968 chart-topping hit “Grazing in the Grass” and performing at the Monterey International Pop Festival. Franklin went on to perform and record with jazz greats including Gene Harris and the Three Sounds, Hampton Hawes, Freddie Hubbard, Bobbi Humphrey, Archie Shepp, and Count Basie, as well as with icons like Stevie Wonder, Al Jarreau, and Willie Bobo. His composition “Soft Spirit”—featured on the Tribe Vibes compilation—was famously sampled by A Tribe Called Quest, cementing his influence across generations. From his early days with Roy Ayers’ Latin Jazz Quintet to tours and recordings that span decades, the Skipper’s music continues to resonate as a timeless force in jazz and beyond....

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Henry Franklin Birthday Celebration
Featuring Nolan Shaheed, Theo Saunders, Teodross Avery

Friday, October 3, 2025
Show 8:30PM, Doors 8PM

Henry “Skipper” Franklin is a legendary American jazz bassist whose luminous career has made him one of the most influential heartbeats of the music. He first gained international recognition playing on Hugh Masekela’s 1968 chart-topping hit “Grazing in the Grass” and performing at the Monterey International Pop Festival. Franklin went on to perform and record with jazz greats including Gene Harris and the Three Sounds, Hampton Hawes, Freddie Hubbard, Bobbi Humphrey, Archie Shepp, and Count Basie, as well as with icons like Stevie Wonder, Al Jarreau, and Willie Bobo. His composition “Soft Spirit”—featured on the Tribe Vibes compilation—was famously sampled by A Tribe Called Quest, cementing his influence across generations. From his early days with Roy Ayers’ Latin Jazz Quintet to tours and recordings that span decades, the Skipper’s music continues to resonate as a timeless force in jazz and beyond.

The World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008
(Entrance and parking in the rear of the building)
$20 admission at the door

More Info: www.theworldstage.org

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