Eddie Henderson Carries Miles Davis Forward

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steve Roby interviews Dr. Eddie Henderson — a trumpet master, bandleader, and one of the few remaining links to Miles Davis's world. Born in San Francisco, Henderson's musical career started at 17 when Miles Davis stayed at his parents' house (his stepfather was Miles' doctor), introduced him to the legendary quintet, and ignited a lifelong love for jazz.

Henderson shares remarkable personal stories: witnessing the Kind of Blue repertoire live with Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, and Philly Joe Jones; receiving direct advice from Miles to "get your own sound"; and the unforgettable moment he silenced Miles by dropping the name Freddie Webster. He also opens up about his time with Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi band, his years playing alongside Art Blakey, and his current role as a trumpet instructor at Oberlin Conservatory.

The conversation looks ahead to Eddie's upcoming performance at SF Jazz's Miles Davis Centennial Tribute at Miner Auditorium in San Francisco on March 21, where he'll lead a group performing the complete ‘Kind of Blue’ album alongside drummer Lenny White and saxophonist Javon Jackson — both of whom have their own deep connections to Miles.

Topics covered:

Meeting Miles Davis at age 17 and seeing the first live performance of the Kind of Blue repertoire

Why Miles' music has endured — from modal jazz to Bitches Brew to hip hop

Miles' philosophy: playing music vs. playing the instrument

The famous "Freddie Webster" exchange and what it taught Henderson about finding your own voice

Miles as housemate, mentor, and comedian

Performing alongside Lenny White (Bitches Brew) and Javon Jackson at the SF Jazz tribute

Teaching jazz at Oberlin and passing down the wisdom of Miles

Links & Info:

SF Jazz Miles Davis Tribute — Saturday, March 21st, Miner Auditorium, San Francisco

Tickets: sfjazz.org (shows nearly sold out at time of recording)

Backstage Bay Area is your inside look at the Bay Area jazz scene. Subscribe and leave us a review if you enjoyed this episode.