Fletcher Henderson

This chapter looks at Armstrong’s time in New York with Fletcher Henderson. Henderson’s more privileged background, his classical education, and his employment with Black Swan Records, all affected his approach to music and expose some of the tensions inherent in the Harlem Renaissance. Using the example of the stock arrangement of “Copenhagen” this chapter explores Armstrong’s development as a soloist in the context of Henderson’s orchestra. It explores how his solos were preformed prior to performance and only played with minor alterations in one performance or recording to the next. This chapter also discusses the differences between Eastern and Western style.