Gordon Henderson

Gordon Henderson, born in 1949 in Roseau, Dominica, is a celebrated musician, songwriter, and producer, renowned for pioneering the musical genre Cadence-lypso and leading the influential band Exile One. His innovative contributions have significantly shaped Caribbean music, influencing genres such as zouk and soca.

Gordon Henderson’s Early Life and Education

Henderson spent his formative years in Portsmouth, Dominica, where he attended the St. John’s Government School. For secondary education, he enrolled at the St. Mary’s Academy in Roseau. There, he actively participated in the “glee club” and talent shows, which nurtured his burgeoning musical talents.

Early Musical Endeavors

• Voltage Four: In his teenage years, Henderson formed “Voltage Four,” a quartet inspired by American groups like Booker T. & the M.G.’s and The Meters. This band primarily toured the French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, marking Henderson’s initial foray into the regional music scene.
• Les Vikings: In 1970, Henderson relocated to Guadeloupe and became the lead singer of “Les Vikings,” a prominent band that toured extensively across the French Caribbean and mainland France. During his tenure, he penned and recorded the song “Love,” which became a significant hit throughout the Caribbean and in countries like Suriname and the Netherlands.

Formation of Exile One and Cadence-lypso

Recognizing the potential for a new musical direction, Henderson founded “Exile One” in the early 1970s, assembling talented Dominican musicians, including his former schoolmate Fitzroy Williams. The band pioneered “Cadence-lypso,” a fusion of Haitian cadence and calypso rhythms, characterized by the innovative use of synthesizers and a full-horn section. This genre revolutionized Caribbean music, influencing the development of styles like soca and zouk.

International Success and Collaborations

Under Henderson’s leadership, Exile One achieved international acclaim, becoming the first Creole act to sign a major recording contract with Barclay Records in 1975. The band’s music resonated globally, with hits that captivated audiences across the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and the Indian Ocean. Henderson’s collaborations extended to producing other artists, notably Ophelia Marie, known as the “Creole Lady of Song,” further promoting Creole music on the world stage.

Entrepreneurial Ventures and Contributions

Henderson expanded his influence beyond performance, stepping into production and entrepreneurship. He established Saultone Ltd, a record label that significantly shaped the Caribbean music industry. Additionally, he co-founded Tropic FM in Paris, a radio station targeting the Caribbean diaspora in France, and hosted a television show called “Feel the World Beat,” broadcast on selected PBS stations in the U.S. and the RFO-SAT network.

Role in Dominica and Cultural Advocacy

Henderson’s influence extended beyond music into cultural advocacy. He spearheaded the creation of Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival, an annual event celebrating Creole music and culture, attracting international artists and audiences. His efforts have been instrumental in preserving and promoting Dominica’s cultural heritage.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his illustrious career, Henderson has received numerous accolades, including the AFRICAR MUSIC AWARDS in Ivory Coast, the Golden Drum Award, and the Meritorious Service Award. His contributions have been documented in various publications, underscoring his status as a pivotal figure in world music.

Personal Life

Details about Henderson’s personal life, including his family, are kept private. His focus has predominantly been on his musical career and cultural initiatives.

Through his groundbreaking contributions and devotion to cultural heritage, Gordon Henderson has firmly established himself as a legend in Caribbean music.