Curiosidades

Daughter Heidi was married to William Hurt.

Bing Crosby gave Skitch his nickname, a shortening of the phrase "sketch kid," so called because of Skitch's ability to sketch out a musical score in different keys.

Skitch Henderson listed his birthplace as Birmingham, England early on to further his career. He was in fact born in Halstad, Minnesota, and can be found as a 2 year old in the 1920 US Census in Hasltad in Norman County, Minnesota. He was orphaned at a young age and raised by his aunt Hattie Gift.

The founder, music director, and conductor of the New York Pops in New York City. He founded the orchestra, which performed at Carnegie Hall for over 20 years.

Hit #110 on the Billboard Singles Charts in 1968 with "Green, Green Grass of Home" (Columbia 44333).

Musical director for ABC Radio's "I Deal in Crime" (1946-1947).

Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume 7, 2003-2005, pages 239-240. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale, 2007.

In a career at NBC from 1951 to 1966, Henderson was conductor of the orchestras for The Tonight Show and The Today Show.

In 1983, Henderson founded The New York Pops orchestra, which makes its home at Carnegie Hall in New York City. He served as the music director and conductor of the orchestra until his death in 2005.

In 1997, Henderson was honored for the vital role he played in the cultural life of New York City by being awarded the Handel Medallion, presented by the City of New York, New York.