Composer: Ray Henderson

Ray Henderson (1896–1970) was a prolific American composer whose music defined much of the popular sound of the 1920s and 1930s. Working both on Broadway and in Tin Pan Alley, Henderson created melodies that blended catchiness with lasting charm. He often collaborated with lyricists Mort Dixon and Lew Brown, producing a long list of hits that became standards in the Great American Songbook.

Among his most enduring works is Bye Bye Blackbird (1926), co-written with Mort Dixon. The song quickly became a jazz and pop favorite, recorded by countless artists over the decades and still widely performed today. Henderson’s catalog also includes The Birth of the Blues, Has Anybody Seen My Girl? (Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue), and Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries.

This archive gathers songs by Ray Henderson, pairing Jason Paul’s modern interpretations with historical notes and public domain sheet music. Currently featured is Bye Bye Blackbird, presented with its backstory, downloadable sheet music, and a performance that bridges the gap between the song’s Jazz Age origins and today.

As the collection grows, this page will continue to celebrate Ray Henderson’s role in shaping American popular music, ensuring his work remains accessible to new generations of listeners and performers.