Skip Henderson

Skip Henderson was an American musician. He composed Two Hornpipes (Tortuga), which was later bought by The Walt Disney Company and used in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. He played for melodian, guitar, and concertina with his band, Skip Henderson and Starboard Watch.  Mr. Henderson passed away in September of 2021.

“The maritime music world lost a legend today. And while the landlubbers among you may not know the name Skip Henderson, you probably know his music from the drunken bar fight in Pirates of the Caribbean 2. Which is appropriate, since “drunken bar fight” was kind of his spirit animal.

“Ok, that’s a lie – this man never harmed anyone. Except a bottle of Goslings Black Seal. I first met Skip at the Northern California Pirate Festival after publishing a not-entirely gentle review of his CD. This might explain the fire in his eyes as he approached me, shouting “Bilgemunky!” with gravelly menace before giving me a big hug and proudly declaring me his harshest critic. Then we killed a bottle of rum together.

“That’s just the kind of guy he was. He’ll be missed.”

 — Gerard “Bilgemunky” Heidgerken

“A great lighthouse has dimmed: For the last week, Skip has been coming into my dreams to say goodbye. Today, he left us to sail across the sea, and was undoubtedly met by his dear wife, Patty. A great light has gone out in our community. RIP, dear Shantyman. He passed of COVID this morning. Fair winds and following seas, Skipper. We will remember you every time we sing and with every breath in the sails!”

— Micha Yunow, September 15, 2021