Fan CastingInner Urge: The Joe Henderson Story

"Inner Urge" is a powerful, character-driven miniseries that follows the life and music of Joe Henderson, a jazz tenor saxophonist whose signature sound and spirit captivated audiences for over four decades. From his early days in Ohio to his rise on the Blue Note scene in New York, the series explores Henderson’s journey as an artist deeply dedicated to his craft, yet equally beset by the racial, social, and economic hardships faced by many Black musicians of his time. With the soundtrack of an era that defined a generation, we watch Joe carve out his place in jazz history, collaborating with luminaries like Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, and Freddie Hubbard, while also wrestling with his own "inner urge" to push the boundaries of his art. As Joe matures, he becomes a central figure in defining jazz fusion, bossa nova, and modal jazz, constantly challenging and transforming the genre. Each episode spotlights a different period and musical milestone, from his days recording classics like Page One and Mode for Joe with Blue Note Records, to his triumphant return to the spotlight in the ’80s and ’90s with Verve, where he won Grammy Awards and proved that true artistry has no expiration.