The Tuesday before Thanksgiving, a well-intentioned but misinformed journalist posted an incorrect notice on the Jazz Talk BBS of Jazz Central Station that the tenor saxophonist had died. Within minutes, the site was buzzing with concern. And speculation. Was it true? Did this so-called respected writer really know what he was presenting as fact?

Suddenly phones began ringing off the hook at Verve Records, Joe’s label, and in the office of his manager. Some quick checking and it was clear that Joe Henderson was very much alive. He was, in fact, at home in San Francisco, sleeping.

Within three hours of the initial, incorrect announcement, a retraction was posted. But the damage was done. The story had a life of its own. Because of the global nature of his medium, word of Joe’s demise had already spread around the planet through the network of musicians, fans and industry types. Days later people were still asking if it was true. Although the rumor was going around before it was posted on the Net, once it made its appearance on the web, the news was everywhere. Don’t ever underestimate the power of this medium.

Without questioning the source of the information, many simply believed it was true because it appeared on the Net. But let’s not blame the Net or shoot the messenger. This has also happened in print media, as well. A year before his death, Musician magazine published a story that said drummer Arthur Taylor had died. And the last edition of the respected All Music Guide had pianist Billy Taylor already working in that great band in the sky. The latest edition has restored Billy to the land of the living.

As for Joe Henderson, after decades of performing, Henderson did appear tired, and earlier this year, was reportedly taking a long rest. Whatever rumors and speculation there were surrounding his current status only helped to fuel the belief that maybe Joe had died.

Certainly no one would want any harm to come to this remarkable man. Henderson has been one of our most individual tenor players since the 60s. He doesn’t sound like Trane. He doesn’t like Sonny. Joe has always only sounded like one person, himself. His work in the '90s with Verve Records, starting with the 1992 album Lush Life: The Music of Billy Strayhorn, has ushered him into a new echelon of popularity, and deservedly so. It’s been reported that when Joe Henderson learned of the incident, he laughed.

Eventually word of his continued survival eventually replaced speculation of his demise. Yet several questions linger.

What about the journalist who posted the information? It was certainly irresponsible for this person not to check the facts properly. Interestingly, when he posted the retraction, this fellow suddenly became the object of public scorn. In Net Speak, it’s called flaming. The writer was technologically tarred and feathered. Of course there were some who declared him only human, accepting his apology. But others, mostly anonymous posters, suggested he resign from his profession and perhaps turn to the practice of proctology. Let he who has not sinned cast the first stone.

Can news posted in a public forum be trusted? On a BBS, anyone can be anyone. I can log on as Larry King or Howard Stern and start posting. Nobody’s going to check. Let the user beware.

The community that resides at the Jazz Talk BBS of JCS is a rather piquant party of about a thousand active participants, and tens of thousands of voyeurs. The level of discourse started rather eloquently when the BBS first made its appearance a couple of years ago but sadly, has degenerated ever since. What began as a nexus for lively discussion now bears an ungodly resemblance to the Jerry Springer Show, where guests nearly always resort to violence.

Regarding Joe Henderson, we’ll have to wait for his next musical move. Although the rumor concerned his demise, he did receive a laser blast of publicity in a very short time, and an outpouring of love from the community. Sometimes we don’t know how much someone means to us until they’re gone.

And speaking of publicity, when Joe does return to performing again, there’s a great hook to his story. I can see the headline now: Back from the Dead, Joe Henderson, reported deceased on the Internet, opens tonight at the Village Vanguard.