Ken Hensley

Early Life

Ken Hensley was born Kenneth William David Hensley on August 24, 1945, in Plumstead, south-east London. He moved with his family, which included three brothers and a sister, to Stevenage, Hertfordshire shortly after his birth. Hensley developed a passion for music early on, learning to play the guitar at the age of 12 using a Bert Weedon manual.

Career

Hensley's musical journey began in the 1960s, with his first gig at The Mentmore Pen Factory in Stevenage in September 1960. He played with several bands, including The Blue Notes and The Gods, the latter of which he formed in 1965. The Gods featured notable musicians like Mick Taylor and Greg Lake, and they recorded two LPs. Hensley later gained fame as a member of Uriah Heep during the 1970s, where he was known for his songwriting and keyboard skills. His contributions to the band helped shape the sound of hard rock and progressive rock, and he was instrumental in creating hits like "Lady in Black."

Personal Life and Legacy

In his later years, Hensley lived in Agost, Spain, with his fourth wife, Monica. He passed away on November 4, 2020, at the age of 75 after a short illness. Before his death, he completed an album titled "My Book of Answers," which was released posthumously in March 2021. Hensley's influence on music is recognized by many, including W.A.S.P.'s frontman Blackie Lawless, who credited him with writing the rule book for heavy metal keyboards. His legacy continues to resonate in the rock music community, with a bronze portrait created in his honor in 2014.