As a child, Henry was encouraged to take music seriously and with that he understood its emotional power. Though he would take to the clarinet, piano and tap dancing early, it wasn't until the day he picked up the bass that music began to define him. So began Henry's life-long love affair with music. Henry continued to study, listen and hone his craft, but in 1968 received a call from Willie Bobo. The call led to a year-long tour of the East Coast, where on his off days, he worked gigs with Archie Shepp, Lamont Johnson, Beaver Harris and Roswell Rudd. Then one night, Hugh Masekela heard Henry play and made him an offer. Three and a half years later the two would collaborate on Grazing in the Grass and then part ways with a great friendship and a gold record....
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As a child, Henry was encouraged to take music seriously and with that he understood its emotional power. Though he would take to the clarinet, piano and tap dancing early, it wasn't until the day he picked up the bass that music began to define him. So began Henry's life-long love affair with music. Henry continued to study, listen and hone his craft, but in 1968 received a call from Willie Bobo. The call led to a year-long tour of the East Coast, where on his off days, he worked gigs with Archie Shepp, Lamont Johnson, Beaver Harris and Roswell Rudd. Then one night, Hugh Masekela heard Henry play and made him an offer. Three and a half years later the two would collaborate on Grazing in the Grass and then part ways with a great friendship and a gold record.
There are more than 100 albums on which Henry appears, with many of them produced under his leadership. They include: The Skipper and The Skipper at Home (Black Jazz label), Three Card Molly, Bassic Instincts, The Hunter, Bass Encounters (Resurgent Music label), Colemanology, Ears Wide Open, Three Worlds, A Musical Tribute to Gene Harris featuring Three More Sounds, Summer Serenade (Beezwax Records), Shalabongo, We Came to Play (Jeru Records), Tribal Dance (Catalyst Records), Blue Lights (Ovation Records), Sakura (WJ3 Records), All God's Children (SP Records), Music to the 5th Power (SP Records), 3Bop (SP Records), If We Should Meet Again (SP Records), O, What a Beautiful Morning! (SP Records), Soul of the World (SP Records), June Night (SP Records) and High Voltage (SP Records). Henry also published a method book for all bass players entitled, Bassically Yours.
The Skipper performed for about thirteen years with his group at The Mission Inn in Riverside, California. For many years, he played 5 nights a week. Difficult times reduced that to 2 nights on weekends. This long run of great jazz came to an end September 17, 2011. His presence there was greatly appreciated by the community.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Franklin
http://www.henryfranklin.com/
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