How to Hire CORY HENRY For Your Event!
Maestro of Modern Funk and Soul
aka: Cory Alexander Henry
Born in: New York
Based in: New York
Hire: Cory Henry
GRAMMY award-winning Cory Henry was born on February 27, 1987, in Brooklyn, New York. A musical prodigy, he began playing the Hammond B3 organ at just two years old. His natural talent was evident early on, and by the age of six, he had already performed at the Apollo Theater. Growing up in a church environment, gospel music heavily influenced his playing style, and his deep appreciation for jazz, funk, and soul would shape his unique sound.
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Career Beginnings and Session Work
As a teenager, Henry quickly gained recognition as a skilled keyboardist and organist. He worked as a session musician for various artists across multiple genres, including gospel, R&B, and jazz. His ability to seamlessly blend different styles made him a sought-after collaborator.
He has since toured with many mainstream artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Michael McDonald, P. Diddy, Boyz II Men, Kenny Garrett, and The Roots, and gospel artists, among them Israel Houghton, Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, and Yolanda Adams.
Breakthrough with Snarky Puppy (2012-2018)
Cory Henry rose to international fame as a core member of the instrumental fusion band Snarky Puppy, joining them in 2012. His virtuosic solos on the Hammond B3 and synths became a defining feature of the group’s sound. During his time with Snarky Puppy, the band won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Performance in 2014 and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album in 2016 for Sylva. His performances on albums like We Like It Here and Culcha Vulcha showcased his technical mastery and musical depth.
Solo Career and The Funk Apostles (2018-Present)
The Funk Apostles. The project blended funk, soul, jazz, and gospel, establishing his signature sound as a solo artist. His powerful live performances and emotionally rich compositions gained him a growing fan base.
Key Solo Albums:
- First Steps (2014) – His debut solo album, showcasing his jazz and gospel roots.
- The Revival (2016) – A live organ album emphasizing gospel and jazz improvisation.
- Art of Love (2018) – His first album with The Funk Apostles, blending funk, soul, and R&B.
- Something to Say (2020) – A socially conscious album exploring themes of love, hope, and social justice.
- Operation Funk (2022) – A modern funk album reflecting his continued evolution as a songwriter and producer.
Musical Style and Influences
Cory Henry’s music is deeply rooted in gospel, jazz, funk, and soul. His major influences include Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Marvin Gaye, Jimmy Smith, Donny Hathaway, P-Funk, and Ray Charles. Known for his explosive improvisations, intricate harmonies, and emotive performances, Henry continues to push the boundaries of contemporary music.
Collaborations and Industry Recognition
Beyond his solo work, Cory Henry has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including:
- Kanye West – Worked on Donda (2021).
- Bruce Springsteen – Contributed organ work.
- Jacob Collier – Featured on multiple projects.
- The Roots, Erykah Badu, and Quincy Jones – Performed and recorded with these legendary artists.
His contributions to music have earned him Grammy nominations as a solo artist, including a nomination for Best Progressive R&B Album in 2022 for Something to Say.
Legacy and Impact
Cory Henry is regarded as one of the most innovative keyboardists of his generation. His ability to blend gospel’s spiritual depth with jazz’s complexity and funk’s groove has set him apart in the modern music landscape. Whether through his solo career, collaborations, or live performances, Henry continues to inspire musicians and audiences worldwide.
Recent Work and Future Plans
Henry remains active in both recording and touring. In recent years, he has explored music production and songwriting, expanding his impact beyond instrumental performance. His latest projects continue to push genre boundaries, proving that his influence in contemporary music is only growing.
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