Seven musicians who you might not know are chemists

Many chemists use music as a way to relax after a hard day in the lab, office or lecture hall. But for a few, their musical talent opens up an entirely different career path. The following seven superstars are just some of the former chemists to be found among the world’s top musicians.

Fletcher Henderson

Chemistry connection: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry and mathematics, lab assistant

Musical talent: Pianist, bandleader, arranger and composer

One of jazz’s most influential arrangers and bandleaders and a key force in developing swing, Henderson moved to New York to pursue a master’s degree in chemistry (although there are no records that show he actually enrolled). He briefly worked as a lab assistant in a Manhattan chemistry firm but changed careers when a job as a song demonstrator for the Pace and Handy Music Co. proved more profitable.