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Cory Henry is a celebrated American musician and virtuoso keyboardist, renowned for his electrifying performances on the Hammond B3 organ and as the leader of Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles. Blending funk, gospel, jazz, and R&B, he captivates audiences with his innovative sound and exceptional musicianship, earning critical acclaim and multiple Grammy Awards throughout his dynamic career.
Cory Henry
Cory Henry is a highly acclaimed American musician, composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his virtuosic keyboard skills, particularly on the Hammond B3 organ. He is the leader of the band Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles. Here's a comprehensive overview of Cory Henry and his band:
Early Life and Career
Cory Alexander Henry was born on February 27, 1987, in Brooklyn, New York. He showed exceptional musical talent from a very young age:
At just 2 years old, he began playing the organ and piano.
At 6 years old, he made his debut performance at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem.
Henry's early musical education was deeply rooted in gospel music, as he honed his skills playing in church.
Rise to Prominence
Henry's professional career took off in his teens and early twenties:
At 19, he joined jazz saxophonist Kenny Garrett's touring band for three years.
He gained recognition as a session musician and touring keyboardist for various artists across genres.
In 2012, he joined the jazz fusion collective Snarky Puppy, which significantly boosted his profile.
Awards and Accolades
With Snarky Puppy, Henry won three Grammy Awards.
His solo work has also received critical acclaim and Grammy nominations.
Solo Career and The Funk Apostles
After leaving Snarky Puppy in 2018, Henry focused on his solo career and formed his band, The Funk Apostles:
The band blends elements of funk, gospel, jazz, R&B, and soul music.
The Funk Apostles lineup includes top-tier musicians with impressive credentials.
Notable Releases
"First Steps" (2014) - Henry's debut solo album.
"The Revival" (2016) - A live album showcasing Henry's organ skills.
"Art of Love" (2018) - The first album with The Funk Apostles.
"Something to Say" (2020) - A sophomore full-length project.
"Best of Me" (2021)
"Operation Funk" (2022) - Nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album at the Grammy Awards.
"Live at the Piano" (2023) - Nominated for Best Alternative Jazz Album at the Grammy Awards.
"Church" (2024) - Henry's first gospel album.
Musical Style and Influences
Henry's music is characterized by:
Virtuosic keyboard playing, especially on the Hammond B3 organ.
A unique fusion of gospel, jazz, funk, R&B, and soul influences.
Innovative harmonic approaches inspired by jazz pianists like Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson.
Collaborations and Session Work
Henry has worked with a wide range of artists across various genres, including:
Bruce Springsteen
The Roots
P. Diddy
Boyz II Men
Kirk Franklin
Yolanda Adams
Aretha Franklin
Michael McDonald
NAS
Imagine Dragons
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Kanye West
Live Performances and Reception
Henry and The Funk Apostles are known for their energetic live performances.
Their NPR Tiny Desk Concert in 2018 became a viral sensation, garnering nearly 2 million views.
They have performed at major festivals and venues worldwide.
Recent Developments
In 2022, Henry was nominated for a Grammy as a producer on Eric Bellinger's "New Light".
He won a Latin Grammy for Album of the Year for his work on Rosalía's album "Motomami".
In March 2024, Henry was named Jazz Pianist of the Year at the Pianote Awards.
Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles continue to push musical boundaries, blending various genres and showcasing Henry's exceptional musicianship. Their work represents a modern take on funk and soul music, infused with gospel roots and jazz improvisation, making them a unique and influential force in contemporary music.
