[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 145 (Friday, November 4, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF ``SKITCH'' HENDERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NANCY L. JOHNSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 4, 2005

  Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a 
great friend and a gentleman who gave the gift of music freely, 
enthusiastically, and successfully throughout his life: my friend Lyle 
Russell Cedric ``Skitch'' Henderson. Skitch passed away on November 1 
at his home in New Milford at 87.
  Skitch was born in England, and moved to the United States in the 
1930's. In the early years, he eked out a living as pianist, playing 
vaudeville and movie music in Minnesota and Montana road houses. His 
big break came in 1937 when he filled in for an ailing accompanist for 
an MGM promotional tour featuring Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. When 
the tour wrapped up in Chicago, he used the original pianist's ticket 
and went to Hollywood. There he met Bob Hope and played piano for Bob 
on the Pepsodent Show. He became friends with Frank Sinatra and Bing 
Crosby and lent them his musical expertise. He continued on to win a 
Grammy award as a conductor. His many remarkable accomplishments 
reflect his diverse talents and character.
  During World War II, Skitch like many others put his life on hold for 
the greater cause. He flew both the Royal Air Force and, after becoming 
an American citizen, the United States Army Air Corps. This fostered 
Skitch's love for airplanes and flying, which became a lifelong 
passion.
  Skitch may be best known from his days as the bandleader for Steve 
Allen's ``Tonight Show,'' which brought Skitch into the nation's living 
rooms every night. Skitch not only served as bandleader for Allen, but 
for Jack Paar and Johnny Carson as well, reflecting his rich 
personality and breathe of talents.
  Not resting on his laurels, Skitch founded the New York Pops in 1983. 
He wanted to share his passion for music by bringing the more 
accessible symphonic pops fare to a broader audience. He led free New 
York Pops concerts in the city's parks each summer, so that people of 
all backgrounds could experience the majesty of hearing a world-class 
orchestra perform live. The New York Pops is now the largest 
independent symphonic pops orchestra in the United States.
  Beyond his career as a performer, Skitch helped thousands of New York 
City's school children gain new possibilities in life through music. He 
personally visited classrooms throughout the city to encourage children 
in a love of music and learning. Recently, he was appointed to be a 
distinguished Professor of Music at Western Connecticut State 
University and only a few weeks ago, with that twinkle in his eye, 
excitedly shared with me his vision of this great opportunity to 
develop the talents of local students and mold them into a first rate 
orchestra.
  I extend my heartfelt condolences to Skitch's wife Ruth. The couple 
married on February 7, 1958 and since then, they have not only been 
partners in marriage, but Ruth has been a partner in Skitch's many 
endeavors and is currently President of the New York Pops.
  Skitch Henderson brought music, beauty, and hope to millions. It is 
my privilege to rise to honor him for enriching the lives of people of 
all ages over many decades throughout America. Few leave such a 
magnificent legacy. A life well lived, my friend!

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