Nick Henderson is a graduate of Hillcrest High School’s Class of 2014 and current Saint Xavier University freshman, and has been making his mark as an entertainer within Chicago, and nationally. Henderson’s career has been exploding from his signing to Gill Hayes Talent Agency, with auditions for television shows such as Empire and most recently Chicago PD.
He as well will be releasing an EP early spring of 2015. As apart of Chicago Theatre Week, he has landed another role in Broadway in Bronzeville’s new musical, “Broadway Soul.” He was featured on “Around Town” on channel 9, to promote the musical and his budding career.
Are you from Chicago? What are some of your favorite places here?
NH: I am from Chicago, residing in the South Suburbs. Some of my favorite places in Chicago tend to be restaurants like Vapiano, Eleven City Diner, and I love the Auditorium Theater…the architecture inside will take you to heaven.
How do you balance school along with being an entertainer?
NH: I’ll admit, it’s tough balancing my career and college, and I most definitely have my moments. I struggle to stay persistent, but I’m a person who hates failure. So with that in mind, I try to give both school and my career my all.
What was it like performing at the Harold Washington Center?
NH: I have been performing at the Harold Washington Cultural Center for years now, and it holds a special place in my heart because it was the first major theatre that helped start my career. So, I’m so grateful for the theater!
Nick Henderson
What was it like auditioning for FOX’s Empire? What other roles do you hope to take on in the future?
NH: At the time I had no idea what Empire was when I was auditioning for it! My agent originally told me it was a movie, so I thought I was auditioning for my first big movie…but boy was I wrong. After Empire premiered and seeing it’s success, I’m honored to have been considered for the role of Jamal. Also, it gives me hope that another opportunity such as this is possible and will come back around.
I did a bit of research on Gill Hayes and it seems like a relatively intimate set up and it was started not that long ago. What is it like being represented by such an ambitious agency?
NH: I’m truly blessed, humbled, and grateful to be represented by Gill Hayes Talent Agency! It’s always weird telling people “my agent” this, “my agent” that. I feel so cool (ha). They took interest in me in such a pivotal time, they have had much success in the past couple months with their talent getting booked.
Who are some of your musical inspirations?
NH: Some of my musical inspirations include Brandy, Michael Jackson, Kim Burrell and many more. If you really know me, you know I’m the biggest Brandy fan…I snuck back stage after her concert to meet and sing for her. Her unique tone and technique is incomparable, and is something I strive to be like.
What can you tell us about your EP?
NH: My EP, which is due for the spring/summer, are a collection of songs which are my equivalent to my diary. Each song has a personal connection to a journey or experience in my life, such as my relationship with God, falling in love, feeling lonely, and finding myself. With my EP, I want for all generations to feel free to dance to my music, be uplifted, and feel loved. I like to call it dance-pop meets R&B soul.
Nick Henderson
In three words, can you describe your style?
NH: Hyperactive, authentic, inspirin
Recently, the boys of Jackie Robinson West were stripped of their title. The week of the Grammy’s, Beyonce released a short documentary praising young black men. As the industry often reflects reality, do you think that there is a disregard for the talent of black men or a shortage of opportunities? As sometimes you have to go forth and create a way for yourself.
NH: I certainly believe there is less opportunities for blacks as a race in the industry. I personally see it being the most difficult when I have auditions for commercials or TV shows. They are looking for stereotypical young black men, and unfortunately, I don’t fit that mold. I feel like blacks’ talent should not be limited to the perception of the world, but respected for what they can bring to the table. Moreover, I’m not concerned for the limitations that can be set on me for being black because of what God has for me, it’s for me.
Zhana Johnson
Senior Features Editor