Bobby “Jesse” Henderson

Bobby “Jesse” Henderson became an intrinsic part of the Boston music scene in the 1960s as the drummer for The Rockin’ Ramrods and continued to wield that kind of influence in what became a 30-plus-year career as a recording engineer. Specifically, he was chief engineer at Long View Farm Studios in North Brookfield, Massachusetts and is credited on well over 150 albums by international, national, regional and local artists

Musical beginnings, The Rockin’ Ramrods

The first in his family to develop an interest in music, Bobby was born in 1945 and grew up in the Boston suburb of Watertown. His first instrument was the trumpet, which he played in the Watertown High School band before switching to drums. In his early teens, he took the trolley into Boston to hang outside local bars and listen to live bands playing his favorite genres: soul, R&B, doo wop and rock ‘n’ roll. In his late teens, while playing in a band called Terry & The Pirates and working part time at Jack’s Drum Shop, he met two future Ramrods bandmates, Vinnie and Ronnie Campisi, while delivering a TV to their home; they just happened to strike up a conversation about music.

While performing, touring and doing session work with the Ramrods, he developed a keen interest in recording and engineering. After the group disbanded in 1971, he took some engineering classes at Berklee College of Music and Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology, but most of his education came from in-studio mentors, among them Bill Riseman of Aengus Studios. In 1972, Bobby wrote and recorded a country-inspired song called “Sweet Mountain Wine” under the name “Jesse Henderson.” The first name stuck and he wound up using it for the rest of his career

Move to engineering, Bose Corporation, Death, Legacy

A self-described drum-sound specialist, Jesse began his engineering career as a freelancer and played drums in sessions as necessary. Among his favorite kitmen over the years were Louie Bellson, Max Roach, Ginger Baker and Ringo Starr. He worked at of Northern Studios in Maynard and Aengus Studios in Southboro before becoming chief engineer at Long View Farm in North Brookfield, where he became indispensable for over three decades.

During his career, Jesse amassed engineering credits with bands and artists including Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, The Cars, The J. Geils Band, Arlo Guthrie, Pat Metheny, Stuff, Max Roach, Cat Stevens, Ritchie Blackmore, Don McLean, Bill Morrissey, Bad Brains, Living Colour, Andy Pratt, Tim Curry, Rupert Holmes and many more. After leaving Long View in 2006, he joined the AV tech team at Bose Corporation. While working there, he travelled to Spain and Wales and continued recording music, specifically for Bose home-theater demos. After retiring, he continued to spend much of his time engrossed in musical activities such as writing songs, playing drums and building EQ racks.

Bobby “Jesse” Henderson passed away in October 2022. Throughout his life, he became a wise mentor and friend to countless people, sharing what he learned over his very full lifetime in the music industry. His depth of knowledge, vast range of experience, ever-present sense of humor and relaxed presence in the studio were more than simply appreciated; he inspired and motivated entire generations of engineers and musicians (though, truth be told, he was far too modest to ever take any credit for that). He is deeply missed by family, friends and even casual acquaintances.

(by Amy Henderson Durkee and Patricia Henderson)