Jon Hendricks was an American jazz lyricist and singer recognized for his pivotal role in developing vocalese, a form of vocal jazz that sets lyrics to established instrumental compositions. Hendricks was a member of the pioneering vocal trio Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. Known for his ingenious wordplay and improvisational skills, he had a profound influence on jazz vocalists worldwide. His most notable work, "Sing a Song of Basie" (1957), is considered a landmark in the genre of vocalese.