He was handpicked by Thelonious Monk to compose lyrics to his sui generis compositions Monk reportedly said to Hendricks: “You’re the only muthafucka I want to write lyrics to my songs!” He was encouraged to come to New York by none other than Charlie “Bird” Parker. Jon Hendricks sang on the radio with Art Tatum, the greatest of all jazz pianists, in their hometown, Toledo, Ohio. When Judith passed away in 2015, they had been married for 54 years. It was the last time Jewel and I saw the two together. Hendricks staring down at the lyrics I’m about to share with you, is from that event. And when Jewel served as the Executive Director of the Hudson Valley Writer’s Center, I presented again on his vocalese genius. When Jewel and I held a housewarming party in the summer of 2009 in New Rochelle, NY, Judith and Jon graced us with their presence (see photo above with me on the left and Christian McBride on the right). Hendricks accepted my invitation to attend a presentation on his work for Columbia University’s Jazz Study Group, which became the Center for Jazz Studies. But of all the masters I’ve been fortunate to meet, Jon and Judith Hendricks were two of the most gracious and accommodating.

Lyrics joyspring