Ernie Henry

Ernie Henry (born Ernest Albert Henry, September 3, 1926 – December 29, 1957) was an American jazz saxophonist.

Henry played in the late 1940s with Tadd Dameron, Fats Navarro, Charlie Ventura, Max Roach, and was a key member of Dizzy Gillespie's big band. Between 1950 and 1951, Henry performed in the band of Illinois Jacquet while seeking freelance performance opportunities. Henry later returned to play with Thelonious Monk (1956), Charles Mingus, Kenny Dorham, Kenny Drew, Wynton Kelly, Wilbur Ware, Art Taylor, Philly Joe Jones and Gillespie again (1956–57). He recorded three albums as a leader for the Riverside label shortly before his death at the end of 1957.

Henry died in his sleep, aged 31. A heroin overdose was alleged, but it is known that he suffered from unusually high blood pressure and suffered ill health.