Henry Phillips

Born on November 14, 1969, Henry Phillips carved out a career as a sardonic folkie and musical satirist in the vein of Tom Lehrer. In his teenage years Billy Joel stood as his chief influence, prompting him to write earnest and emotionally direct songs, yet he gradually pivoted to humorous material and built a following on the Los Angeles club circuit. He became a regular at the storied L.A. comedy venue the Improv while also gaining airplay from radio’s Dr. Demento; Phillips independently issued his first album, On the Shoulders of Freaks, in 1996, after which Oglio reissued the recording and went on to release his second effort, Number 2, in 1999. Why Haven’t I Heard from You? appeared three years later on the Clowny’s Big Hair label.