Henry Bernard Glover (1921 - 1991)

Born 21 May 1921 in Hot Spring, Garland, Arkansas, United States

Ancestors

Died 7 Apr 1991 at age 69 in St. Albans, Queens, New York, United States

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Biography

Henry Glover is Notable.

Henry Bernard Glover is a notable figure in the music industry due to his groundbreaking contributions as songwriter, arranger, record producer, and trumpeter. As one of the first Black record executives in the nation, he played a pivotal role in reshaping popular music by fostering racial integration in recording sessions and collaborating with artists across various genres. Glover's keen ear for hit songs led to numerous chart-topping hits, including "Fever" by Little Willie John and "Let the Little Girl Dance" by Billy Bland. His work with iconic artists like the Delmore Brothers and the Band showcased his versatility and creativity, leaving an enduring impact on the development of rock and roll. With a legacy that includes Grammy-winning productions and a place in the Arkansas Walk of Fame, Henry Bernard Glover's musical genius remains an inspiration to aspiring artists and a testament to the transformative power of music.^[1][2]

Henry Bernard Glover, a legendary figure in the world of music, was born on May 21, 1921, in the vibrant town of Hot Springs, Garland County, Arkansas.^[3] From a young age, he found solace in playing the cornet and piano, immersing himself in the soulful sounds of gospel music, country tunes, jazz, and R&B that he heard on the radio and records.^[1]

Growing up on School Street in McGehee, Desha County, Arkansas^[4], he discovered his passion for music and nurtured it throughout his formative years. Graduating from Langston High School in Hot Springs, he was ready to pursue his dreams further.^[1][5]

In 1942, Henry attended A&M College (now Alabama A&M University) in Normal, Alabama^[6], where he honed his skills and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1943. However, destiny had something else in store for him. He moved to Detroit, Michigan, with aspirations of completing his master's degree at Wayne University. Little did he know that his talent would lead him down a different path.^[1]

Fate intervened when bandleader Buddy Johnson discovered Henry's exceptional trumpet skills and enlisted him to play trumpet and arrange for his band. This marked the beginning of Henry's illustrious career. In 1945, during his time with the Lucky Millinder Orchestra in Cincinnati, Ohio, he crossed paths with Syd Nathan, the visionary behind the newly-formed King Records. Recognizing Henry's expertise, Nathan appointed him the A&R director for the King subsidiary, Queen Records, making him one of the first black record executives in the nation.^[1][2]

Henry's prowess in recording, producing, and songwriting flourished during his tenure at King Records. He worked with artists from various genres, from country to rhythm and blues. He produced and co-wrote songs with renowned artists like Bull Moose Jackson and Little Willie John, whose hit "Fever" topped the Billboard R&B charts.^[1][2][7]

Glover's influence in the country music scene was equally significant. He played a crucial role in revitalizing the career of the Delmore Brothers, steering them towards boogie-woogie, blues, and R&B, and contributing to the evolution of popular music towards rock and roll.^[1][2]

As the years passed, Henry's achievements continued to soar. He founded his own Glover Records, producing several hits like "Peppermint Twist" and "California Sun." His collaborations with the Band, including their Grammy-winning album "The Muddy Waters Woodstock Album," solidified his reputation as a musical genius.^[1][2]

Despite facing challenges in the Payola scandal, Henry's dedication and talent shone through. He made lasting contributions to the music industry, with his songs and productions gracing the charts and being covered by various artists.^[1][2]

In 1986, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences honored Henry, placing him on its prestigious Honor Roll of A&R Producers. His legacy lives on through his induction into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Walk of Fame.^[1][2]

Henry Bernard Glover's musical journey ended on April 7, 1991^[8], with his passing in St. Albans, Queens County, New York.^[1] His memory is cherished, and he was laid to rest at Hillandale Memorial Gardens in Lithonia, DeKalb County, Georgia.^[9]

In 2018, Glover was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the King Records 75th Anniversary. In 2013, he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.^[2]

In 2021, the Arkansas Walk of Fame paid tribute to this trailblazing artist, and a park in Hot Springs was named in his honor. His loving wife survives Henry, Doris, and his children Ware, Sherry, and Leslie.^[1][2]

Throughout his life, Henry Bernard Glover exemplified the spirit of a true artist—a songwriter, arranger, record producer, and trumpeter, who left an indelible mark on the world of music. His melodies continue to resonate, forever etched in the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide.^[1][2]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12} Moore, Bryan L., Arkansas State University, Encyclopedia of Arkansas, last updated on 16 Jun 2023. "Henry Bernard Glover (1921–1991)." Accessed 6 Aug 2023.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9} Wikipedia Contributors. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, last edited on 22 Jul 2023. "Henry Bernard Glover." Accessed 6 Aug 2023.
3. ↑ Arkansas, Birth Certificates, 1914-1922: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Birth Certificates; Year: 1921 Ancestry Record 61774 #191339
4. ↑ 1930 United States Federal Census: Year: 1930; Census Place: Mc Gehee, Desha, Arkansas; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 0002; FHL microfilm: 2339808 Ancestry Record 6224 #105303125
5. ↑ 1940 United States Federal Census: Year: 1940; Census Place: Hot Springs, Garland, Arkansas; Roll: m-t0627-00137; Page: 21A; Enumeration District: 26-14 Ancestry Record 2442 #105275096
6. ↑ U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947: The National Archives at Fort Worth, Texas; Fort Worth, Texas; Wwii Draft Registration Cards For Arkansas, 10/16/1940-03/31/1947; Record Group: Records of the Selective Service System, 147 Ancestry Record 2238 #14929965
7. ↑ 1950 United States Federal Census: National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio; Roll: 1447; Page: 72; Enumeration District: 91-465 Ancestry Record 62308 #206034237
8. ↑ U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014: Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File Ancestry Record 3693 #22548498
9. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/95509969/henry-bernard-glover: accessed 06 August 2023), memorial page for Henry Bernard Glover (21 May 1921–7 Apr 1991), Find A Grave: Memorial #95509969, citing Hillandale Memorial Gardens, Lithonia, DeKalb County, Georgia, USA; Maintained by D.J. (contributor 46939014).

• See Also:
  • Death: "United States Social Security Death Index," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:J1JB-SJ8 : 10 January 2021), Henry B Glover, 07 Apr 1991; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).
  • Ancestry.ca. U.S. II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947 for Henry Bernard Glover. Student at A & M College, Normal, Madison, Alabama. (Contact: Mr & Mrs John Dixon Glover)
  • "United States World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KMXJ-FC7 : 5 December 2014), Henry B Glover, enlisted 23 Sep 1942, Birmingham, Alabama, United States; citing "Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938-1946," database, The National Archives: Access to Archival Databases (AAD) (http://aad.archives.gov : National Archives and Records Administration, 2002); NARA NAID 1263923, National Archives at College Park, Maryland.
  • USA 1940 Census: "United States Census, 1940," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KQVG-GTY : 8 January 2021), Henery Ware in household of Dixon Glover, Hot Springs, Garland, Arkansas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 26-14, sheet 21A, line 21, family 571, Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940, NARA digital publication T627. Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790 - 2007, RG 29. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012, roll 137.
  • "United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6K7H-7LWR : 10 February 2023), Henry Benard Glover, .
  • Wikidata: Item Q1569251