Marvin ‘Henchi’ Graves

“Marvin “Henchi” Graves, 64, died on Monday morning in the Denver area. He had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.” This is how the Denver Post article that Vicki sent me began… and ended.

Every life has a story and this brief article left me wanting to know more so I began on the band’s website. The picture that displayed was, I think, how most of his many, many fans, friends and family would remember Henchi.

Reading among the many pages on their site, I found that this man was much more of a legend than many knew. In his music days, Henchi enjoyed the company, friendship and played with the likes of: Average White Band, Nitty-Gritty Dirt Band, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Walsh, Glen Frey, Eagles, Chicago, Dr. Hook, Billy Joel, Etta James, Jose Feliciano, Three Dog Night, The Platters, Tim Weisberg Band, Dan Fogelberg, Neil Larsen, Michael Murphy, Band Nova, Larry Dunn, Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind, and Fire, Firefall, Chris Hillman, Poco, Herbie Hancock, Alphonse Mouzon, Richie Havens, B.B. King, Sam and Dave, Eddie Kendricks, Supertramp, Eric Burdon, Earl Scruggs, David Ruffin, Steely Dan, Sly Stone, Chico Hamilton, Buddy Miles, Buzz Fieten, Jac Murphy, Dr. John, Albert King, Jackson Browne, Mandrill, Chuck Berry, Dobie Gray, Bobby Womack, Tina Turner, Elton John, Silver Convention, James Brown, Pablo Cruise, Graham Central Station, Bobby (Blue) Bland, Robin Trower

Just let some of those names sink in for a moment and you will quickly realize the importance and impact that Henchi had in his life and his work.

After attending Arizona State University, where he was an NCAA champion wrestler, Henchi started out dancing with his own review, and giving dance lessons in Phoenix, Arizona. Wanting to put that talent and experience to use, he and Freddy formed The Soulsetters.

After relocating to Colorado, Henchi opened a national entertainment night club called the Good Earth. He also did the choreography for the University of Colorado pom pom and cheerleading teams. The innovative and exciting choreography of Freddy and Henchi, as well as the rest of the band, is much the result of Henchi’s experience and direction. This versatility in dance combined with energetic vocal performances and an abundance of charisma translate into why Henchi has become known as The Star to his colleagues.

Last month the Denver Post printed a story about Graves and how he was near death and was hoping for one last chance to see the Nuggets play.

The HospiceCare Center of Boulder and Broomfield counties got several offers, including one from Dan Cook who invited Graves into his suite at the Pepsi Center.

Looking among the historical and fun pictures on the band’s website, I found their guestbook and made a brief entry. There are some entries that go back years. They are all ‘happy’ notes of love for this man and the band. The guestbook alone had been viewed 668 times as of my entry. My father used to tell me that if a Man can count good friends on one hand then he’s blessed… if that’s true, then Henchi must be dancing on the gold and flying with the Angels! See ya Henchi… I hope.

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