“Mr. Henry was a master musician in the blues tradition from eastern North Carolina, which is one of the important parts of the roots of blues in our state," said Wayne Martin, folklife director of the North Carolina Arts Council. “He was a very generous person who shared his music with many different audiences throughout our state and around the world."
Henry, who was born in Beaufort, was awarded a North Carolina Folk Heritage Award in 1995 for lifetime contributions to the folk culture of the state.
Henry, a singer, composer and guitar player, recorded with other Piedmont bluesmen Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee at a session in 1951. He returned to North Carolina disappointed that the recordings were never issued and gave up music for about 20 years. During that time, he worked as a fisherman and operated a grocery store before returning to music in 1971.
Henry is survived by his wife, Susan Ann Henry; and 10 children. Two of his children preceded him in death.
Services were to be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at Oscar Mortuary in New Bern.
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