At the age of 83, the multifaceted Dr. Eddie Henderson is set to captivate audiences with his extraordinary life story in the upcoming PBS documentary, “Dr. Eddie Henderson: Uncommon Genius.” The documentary, directed by Mark Rabideau and Michelle Carpenter, will premiere on Feb. 7 at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club.
A native of the Bronx, Henderson reflects on his unique careers as a trumpeter, figure skater, and doctor, showcasing the remarkable intersections of his life. Born to parents deeply immersed in the world of entertainment, with his mother a dancer at the Cotton Club and his father a singer in the Charioteers, Henderson’s early exposure to music and performance set the stage for his diverse pursuits.
Introduced to the trumpet after a transformative encounter with Louis Armstrong, Henderson’s musical journey took flight. He excelled in both classical and jazz, eventually catching the attention of Herbie Hancock during his medical residency. Henderson made a pivotal choice to leave his medical career for a grand opportunity to join Hancock’s band, marking the beginning of his prolific musical career.
In addition to his achievements in music, Henderson faced the challenges of racism in his pursuit of figure skating. Undeterred, he persisted and even represented the Denver Figure Skating club in the Midwestern Championships, winning a bronze medal.
His journey into medicine was sparked by a desire to prove himself to his stepfather, a doctor with whom he had a contentious relationship. Opting for psychiatry due to its more accommodating on-call schedule, Henderson strategically carved out time for his love of music.
Reflecting on his past encounters with racism, Henderson’s story serves as a testament to resilience and determination. The documentary captures his evolution from a young boy inspired by Louis Armstrong to an accomplished trumpeter, figure skater, and psychiatrist.
The film, produced by Mark Rabideau and Michelle Carpenter, sheds light on Henderson’s profound impact on the world of music and his unwavering commitment to his passions. Viewers will gain insight into the unique blend of talents that have defined Henderson’s uncommon journey.
In a recent interview, Dr. Eddie Henderson shared his excitement about the documentary, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of the filmmakers in telling his story. The PBS documentary promises to be a compelling portrayal of a life shaped by music, resilience, and the pursuit of uncommon genius.
