Mike Henderson: Co-Writer, SteelDrivers Founder, and Musical Luminary, Passes Away at 70
In the realm of music, we lament the loss of the legendary Mike Henderson. As a founding member of the esteemed bluegrass group, the SteelDrivers, and a prolific collaborator with the illustrious Chris Stapleton, Henderson’s legacy shines brightly. We mourn the passing of this musical virtuoso, who graced our lives for 70 remarkable years.
A Glimpse into a Musical Maestro’s Journey
SteelDrivers: Where It All Began
Henderson’s musical journey started in his native Missouri, where he honed his talents. His exceptional mastery of the mandolin laid the foundation for the creation of the SteelDrivers in 2006. This formidable ensemble, featuring the incomparable Chris Stapleton on vocals, Tammy Rogers on fiddle, the skilled Mike Fleming on bass, and the banjo virtuoso Richard Bailey, soared to remarkable heights.
Crafting Grammy-Winning Melodies
A pinnacle moment in Henderson’s career arrived when he clinched a Grammy Award for Best Country Song. His collaboration with Chris Stapleton bore fruit with the creation of the timeless masterpiece, “Broken Halos.” This composition not only secured a Grammy but also catapulted Stapleton to his inaugural Number One country hit in 2017.
Their musical synergy continued to flourish as they penned “Starting Over,” the eponymous track of Stapleton’s 2020 album. The duo’s songwriting prowess knew no bounds, as they also gave birth to Stapleton fan favorites such as “Death Row” and “Midnight Train to Memphis,” initially recorded by the SteelDrivers.
A Resonating Legacy
The SteelDrivers, under Henderson’s leadership, garnered accolades and recognition, earning the prestigious title of 2009’s New Artist of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. Their musical odyssey persisted with the release of the Grammy-nominated album, “Reckless,” in 2010. Such was their impact that even the globally celebrated Adele couldn’t resist the allure of Henderson and Stapleton’s collaborative magic, as she recorded “If It Hadn’t Been for Love” for a deluxe edition of her album, “21.”
Musical Sojourn Beyond the Band
While the SteelDrivers and his collaboration with Stapleton were defining chapters in Henderson’s career, his musical tapestry extended far beyond. He embarked on a solo voyage, releasing a string of captivating albums, commencing with “Country Music Made Me Do It” in 1994 and culminating with the soul-stirring “If You Think It’s Hot in Here” in 2015.
Notably, Henderson’s legacy found a permanent residence in Nashville’s storied Bluebird Cafe, where he continued to grace the stage every Monday night, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s musical fabric.
A Lasting Impact on Songcraft
Chris Stapleton, in a poignant interview with Rolling Stone in 2017, shed light on Henderson’s profound influence on his songwriting. The camaraderie between the two was encapsulated in their standing Tuesday night writing sessions, yielding gems like “Broken Halos.” Stapleton cherished their creative partnership and expressed its significance in his musical journey.
As Stapleton reminisced, “I wrote that song with my dear friend Mike Henderson, with whom I probably wrote more songs than anyone who is a co-writer of mine. I didn’t include any songs I’d written with him on [my debut] ‘Traveller,’ so it was really important to me… to cut songs from some of the guys who helped me learn how to write songs — and Mike is one of those guys.”
A Final Note
In the world of music, where melodies transcend time, Mike Henderson’s legacy will forever serenade our hearts. His contributions to bluegrass, country music, and the art of songwriting remain eternally etched in the musical cosmos. As we remember this iconic figure, may his melodies continue to inspire generations to come
