When I was asked to interview Marlo Henderson I had just under a million questions running through my mind like runners at the starting line of the Boston Marathon. What exactly do you ask a person who's worked with the "who's who" in music over the past 40+ years? Understand the simple fact he's worked on more than just albums. Marlo has worked on scores for movies and audio books; he also produces and composes these days. I wanted to know how a 64-year-old can continue to stay on the top of his game and how he manages to stay relevant, in a world that is forever changing its mind. Marlo is an amazing talent, Vertex Entertainment is lucky to have Marlo agree to work on the score for the trailer of our newest film. Marlo and I did the interview over the phone and we talked about anything and everything. Once we got the interview underway I learned a lot about a man that has such an impact on the people he meets, as well as the music world 

Marlo and Maurice White of  Earth Wind And Fire

I wanted to know when Marlo got into music, and I was actually surprised at the response. Marlo first got into music around the age of 4, he started playing the C Melody Saxophone; the tone is an entire key above tenor saxophone. He started taking music lessons in second grade. Growing up, his father was a saxophonist, and the family felt Marlo would be a natural. He wanted to play music, being influenced by the sounds around him. Marlo reminisced that R&B and dance were popular in the '50s and '60s. When he was a young boy he would listen to the music his dad would play, along with listening to the music on the radio.

Wondering how Marlo continued to stay relevant, after working on over 50 different successful albums, I asked how he managed to accomplish such an impressive feat. Marlo admitted that he does have a different sound. He doesn't tour much anymore. He has worked the past 20 years at his pace and he picks and chooses the work he wants to do. At the time his youngest daughter was born, he realized he wanted to be home and watch his children grow. He traveled with Minnie Riperton when his daughter was young. Minnie traveled with her children and he knew that, so Marlo took advantage of it. Minnie would do engagements that were about a week long which made it a nice time to take the family along.

         Marlo has recently worked on audio books, soundtracks and producing other artists. He firmly invested in what he's doing but wants to eventually slow down too. However when you're a person like Marlo I'm not sure if slowing down is in the cards that were dealt to him.

         Marlo has created his own label, M5 Media, and has four artists recorded who are looking forward to being released online within the year. M5 is a nickname his ex-wife had given him, because of his love of computers. Marlo admits that he would love to do an album with his four boys, they are all musically inclined and all have their talents. Even with three of his boys nearby and one in New Mexico he admits it may take some time to get them all in the same place. Working on music and scores currently for Korean artists he tries to do what he enjoys. Work often just pops up for him and he acknowledges that people all over the world hire him. I threw in a side question about social media and Marlo confessed it does help him stay with the times.

         My last question was something most people don't ask in an interview, I asked it because I know there are things that drive people. I wanted to know what Marlo's favorite quote was, I shared with him that Joan of Arc's "I am not afraid; I was born to do this" holds a spot in my heart and helps me face the harder times. Marlo's favorite quotes are "What you do the most is what you do the best" And "Never give up." These are two things Marlo believes helped him stay in the business for so long; knowing what he was good at and working to keep getting better at it.

         Marlo cannot remember the last time he was bored, he always has something in the works. He wants to take computer courses and become really up-to-date and with the times. I told him that comes with grandchildren, they'll teach him what he needs to know in no time. We discussed our families, and talked about personalities and how they influence those around you. Marlo is a laid back guy, with a great head on his shoulders. He can influence those around him by simply talking: he offers pearls of wisdom to those he speaks to without realizing it. I am thankful for the chance to talk to a man who has spanned 40 years of musical history. Marlo is still one to watch in the music world, entering the composing and producing part of the business just seems like a natural transition. Keep an eye out for Marlo! Knowing the jobs he has in the works you're bound to hear some of his work without even realizing it.