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Arthur Henderson Arthur Henderson Arthur Henderson Arthur Henderson Arthur Henderson Arthur Henderson
In Memory of
Arthur Andrew
Henderson
1949 - 2018
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Mount Laurel Home for Funerals, Inc.
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Obituary for Arthur Andrew Henderson

Arthur Andrew  Henderson
Art Henderson, born December 28th, 1949, died Saturday November 10, 2018 of lung cancer at his home in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. He is survived by his wife, Eileen (Bownes) and two daughters, Ashley and Kerry, his sister Gloria (Henderson) Benson and his brother John Henderson.

Art lived his life through his fingertips. He communicated through music, which he began studying from a young age. He was introduced to the cello as young as 8 and continued to explore his talents for the rest of his life. Art played in Philadelphia’s All City Youth Orchestra under the direction of Leopold Stokowski, conductor of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Even as a young boy he understood the importance of listening. The lessons he learned from Stokowski’s instruction followed him for the rest of his life, through every genre of music he performed.

While attending Thomas Edison High School, Art expanded his musical talents to the upright bass, and quickly transitioned to the electric bass. By 15, Art was playing the bass in his first band, The Four Lords, eventually changing their name to The Lords upon adding a fifth member. From this time on, Rock and Roll would have a heavy influence on Art’s life.

Before moving to Florida in 1972, Art played with a group called the VIPs. Upon his return to Philadelphia in 1978 Art realized the need to adapt to the new popular genre and started playing with a disco band, Midnight Express. With Midnight Express Art worked the Philly club scene with longtime friends Skip Parilo on drums, Rick Wurgley on keyboard, and frontman Joey Bobadilla. Although disco was never his favorite genre, it brought many things he loved into his life. Art forged deep relationships with his bandmates that would span decades, and met his wife, Eileen, with whom he would spend the rest of his life.

When disco died, Art pursued the blues playing with the JukeRockers. The JukeRockers were fronted by harmonica player, Billy Burns with Skip on drums and Art on bass and several talented guitar players,(Vinny Capella and Rob Saltzman are two who stand out.) The blues was where his true passion existed and he developed a sound unique to only himself. Art had an ear for harmony and rhythm that was demonstrated in his smooth and effortless bass lines. The blues was second nature, flowing through him from top to bottom. Art and The JukeRockers were privileged to open for blues legends, Albert King and Albert Collins at the Chestnut Cabaret. He would continue to recount these stories for his family and friends for many years after.

During his time with The Jukerockers, Art married his love Eileen. They started a family and had their first child, Ashley, in 1989 and their second, Kerry, in 1992. After their second child, Art moved his family from Philadelphia to South Jersey. Although The JukeRockers disbanded shortly thereafter, he quickly joined with Richie Mack and the Windfall Review playing top 40 and oldies hits. For the next 15 years Windfall would work the clubs in the Philadelphia and South Jersey area frequenting Josh and Molly’s and The Flying W. During this time Art was simultaneously playing with the Delanco Pops performing standards from the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s and swing music.

In 1997 Art saw an ad in the local paper calling for cellists to play with the South Jersey Orchestra. Although he hadn’t played the cello in almost 30 years he decided to apply. He was accepted and encouraged by Musical Director Frank Salicandro. With many late nights of practice and support from the Orchestra members Art honed his skills on the cello, never again to neglect this talent.

Art’s passion for music inspired all of those around him. He encouraged the novice not to give up, and the passionate to dream. He taught patience and discipline but never forgot to enjoy the moment. He threw all of his soul into each note, sometimes making it impossible to recreate the same moment. Music provided him with a deeper understanding of the world, demonstrating the most powerful emotions through sounds and rhythm. To watch Art play music was to witness a spiritual awakening. To play music with Art was to learn about yourself on a level you never knew was possible. We are lucky to have his recordings and memories to remind us of a person special enough to influence countless numbers of people. A one of a kind sound has left this reality to join the band of another, and to him we say “Luck!!”

In lieu of flowers we would request donations to the Saint Jude Children’s Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?cID=14262&pID=24671&sc_cid=kwp12886&s_kwcid=AL!4519!10!79577231762846!79577274625801&ef_id=W@r-LwAAAPRzNBG9:20181113170548:s)
or Rock to the Future (http://rocktothefuture.org/donate/) a local organization that supports music programs for children.
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