Cory Henry is a Brooklyn-born American organist, keyboardist, producer, songwriter and vocalist, active in contemporary jazz, funk, jazz, jazz fusion and nu jazz. He is also identified with gospel music and is known for work that moves between jazz and gospel traditions.

Early life and musical development

Born in 1987, Cory Alexander Henry begins playing the organ at the age of two. By six, he is performing at the Apollo Theater and reaches the finalist round in its competition. These early appearances establish him as a prodigy on the instrument and lead into a career built around organ, piano and broader keyboard work.

Recording work

Henry makes his debut album as a solo artist with Christmas With You in 2010. The release is built around his improvisational approach to familiar Christmas material. In the same year, he co-produces Jay White’s Larger than Life, showing an early role as a producer as well as a performer.

He later launches his solo artist career with Art of Love, an independent release that brings together gospel, jazz and pop elements.

Collaborations and session work

Henry contributes as a writer and producer on Kim Burrell’s album Love, which earns Grammy nominations and Stellar Awards in 2011. He also works with a wide range of artists including Yolanda Adams, Sara Bareilles, Kirk Franklin, Robert Glasper, Mary Mary, Michael McDonald, Nas, Bruce Springsteen and The Roots.

At nineteen, he begins a three-year period as organist for jazz musician Kenny Garrett, a role that exposes him to wider audiences and develops his live performance experience.

Groups and live appearances

Henry remains part of Snarky Puppy and also performs with Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles. His appearances include performances on BET’s Sunday Best and The Jimmy Fallon Show. His improvised performances on YouTube also build a dedicated following.

Style

Henry is recognised for a harmonically complex and unpredictable organ style. His playing draws on jazz pianists such as Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson rather than following the more traditional Hammond organ model associated with Jimmy Smith. That approach helps him combine jazz and gospel with a broader contemporary sound.