The collection contains music manuscripts, subject files, correspondence, business and financial papers, photographs, writings, posters, biographical materials, realia, and other materials relating to Luther Henderson's career. The Music series consists of Henderson's holograph manuscript or computer-generated scores and sketches, manuscript scores in the hands of other composers, lead sheets, parts, and source materials used for arrangements. Most are extensively annotated and are often accompanied by notes, correspondence, lyric sheets, scripts, programs, and other related material. The music materials relate to various Henderson projects, including several musicals that he worked on such as Ain't misbehavin' and Jelly's last jam; works for Duke Ellington; and concerts, nightclub acts, and recordings for various performers. There are also vocal and instrumental music and arrangements by other composers. The Subject Files series contains business papers, scripts, contracts, programs, clippings, financial documents, and/or notes. The Personal Correspondence series contains items from friends and family. The Business Papers series includes professional correspondence, contracts, notes, and publicity materials. The Financial Documents series contains invoices, ledgers, royalties, tax returns, and other personal or business-related items. The Miscellany series contains personal documents, writings, photographs, realia, posters, and other miscellaneous materials. In addition, the collection contains a group of materials, including business papers and photographs, that was formerly in the possession of Henderson's close friend and fellow arranger, Jacob Roger "Brick" Fleagle.