Obituaries

Henry W. Shead

Photo of Henry W. Shead
Henry W. Shead, 71, passed away Friday morning, October 5, 2012. A pianist, singer and entertainer extraordinaire, he will be sorely missed. He was born on March 31, 1941 in Fordyce, Arkansas to Henry A. and Willie L. Shead and moved to Little Rock at a young age. He was one of five siblings. He married Jeanette Mazique on January 23, 1964. He graduated from University of Arkansas , Pine Bluff where he majored in music. He started his career as the paino player and lead singer in the York Wilborn band while still in high school. The band played for a television dance show on Little Rock television. He formed a trio after graduating from college and performed in Little Rock at the Drummers Club and later the Capitol Club. He had 4 children and a long career performing in numerous hotels on the Las Vegas strip, including the Hacienda, Caesar's Palace, MGM Grand and most recently at AJ's Steakhouse in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. He was voted the best Lounge Act of the Year in 1977 while performing at the Stardust and was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in 2006. He also performed at parties for celebrities and politicians. Henry played piano and sang in churches for most of his life. He is survived by his wife, Jeanette, his sons, Henry, Jr. of New York, Todd (wife Cassondra) of Northern California and Rohn of Los Angeles and his daughter, Lori Lily (husband Christopher) of Los Angeles. He had four grandchildren, Sydney (12), Simmone (10), Juliet (2) and Michael (20 months). He is also survived by his only living sibling, Jean Peters. He was predeceased by three brothers, Weardale, Caiaphais and Thomas. A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 15 at Zion Methodist Church at 2108 Revere Street, North Las Vegas , 89030. The viewing will begin at 11 a.m., with services at noon. His body will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles on Friday, October 19, 2012 at 3 p.m.

Published October 10, 2012

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