Marvin "Henchi" Graves Dies
Sad news to report. Marvin "Henchi" Graves, one of the lead singers with Denver's Freddi-Henchi Band, passed away this morning after a long battle with cancer. He was 64. From the band's website:
It is with great sadness that I report that Marvin "Henchi" Graves passed away at around 10:00 AM this morning, June 8, 2009.  Henchi fought a long tough battle with cancer for several years, far exceeding doctors' expectations.  The nickname Henchi was short for Henchman, which he earned from being an excellent wrestler.  He was one step away from the Olympics when an achilles tendon injury forced him to change directions.  This is what led him into the world of choreography and music.  Henchi was tough all of his life right to the end, yet he was always a very nice person.  Even on days when he was feeling his worst from cancer treatments he remained much more cheerful than one would expect.  He always managed to make a joke or laugh about something.  I sure will miss that laugh.  We knew this day would eventually come.  It just always seemed like it would be in the future and that it would never really arrive.  Henchi had many, many friends and it is a very sad day for everyone that knew him.  The fans have always been a part of a Freddi-Henchi Band show and today I think we all lost a good friend.  We will miss you Henchi, and you will never be forgotten. The world will not be the same without you here.  Rest in Peace, my friend.  We love you.
The popular R&B group was formed in Arizona in the 1960s when Henchi teamed up with fellow singer Fred Gowdy. After years on the circuit, the band settled in Colorado and was a long-time favorite for their high-energy shows. In recent years, they were regulars at Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret, and just last summer, they tore it up at 5280's 15th anniversary celebration. Here's a  picture from that great evening with (from left) guitarist Bob Yeazel, Lannie Garrett, Fred Gowdy, yours truly, and Henchi on the right. 
In his final weeks, Henchi got to enjoy a Nuggets-Lakers playoff game, thanks to the generosity of a local fan.
Comments
Submitted by Barbara (not verified) on Mon, 2010-02-22 19:47.
Henchi was a light that shone upon all of mankind. I can only say that he was one of a kind. He had a heart that sang. Hold my hand through this time of sadness and let me see the light. God picked you up and is holding you in his hands.
Submitted by JannaBanana (not verified) on Mon, 2009-06-15 13:55.
The 70's, The Blue Note in Boulder, Henchi, you were so hot! Hot to listen to, hot to look at.
Rest in peace.
Submitted by Ada (not verified) on Thu, 2009-06-11 09:25.
Freddi & Henchi were part of my life. I can't tell you how many good times I had dancing to their music! I met many people from those times and still smile when I think back. Thanks for sharing your music Henchi!
Submitted by Paula (not verified) on Wed, 2009-06-10 17:04.
Had so many good times listening and dancing to the Freddi Henchi Band in the early to mid 70's. Always a positive, high energy experience that I was glad to be a part of. Henchi will be missed greatly.
Submitted by David C. (not verified) on Sat, 2009-06-13 04:49.
Freddi and Henchi were my favorites at the Swing City, Jamaca East Night Club in Phoenix in the 1960's. They would stop the show and blow away the major acts.
