For many years in New York City, Jon Henry was art director at the large and prestigious firm of Grey Advertising, which promoted the Benny Goodman Band, along with other large corporations. In the 1950 and 60s, he designed record jackets for a large selection of clients, including RCA Victor, MGM Records, and Verve. Among his best were for the Verve label, which re-issued long-unavailable performances, historic concerts, and out-of-print recordings of some of the greatest innovators of jazz, including Count Basie, Art Tatum, Billy Holiday, Nat Cole, Dizzy Gillespie, etc.
Record album (LP) covers in the 1940s were mostly very plain... printed with only the company name and title. The recording artist was not highlighted. Later, simple photos were incorporated but the lettering and design were often unimaginative. Gradually, however, the value of well-designed record jackets was acknowledged and companies began to compete for original ideas to market their clients. Jon Henry's creativity made the "Verve reissues" stand out and be recognized!!
Record album (LP) covers in the 1940s were mostly very plain... printed with only the company name and title. The recording artist was not highlighted. Later, simple photos were incorporated but the lettering and design were often unimaginative. Gradually, however, the value of well-designed record jackets was acknowledged and companies began to compete for original ideas to market their clients. Jon Henry's creativity made the "Verve reissues" stand out and be recognized!!
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