Kenneth William David Hensley (24 August 1945[2] – 4 November 2020)[3] was an English musician, singer, songwriter and producer, best known for his work with Uriah Heep during the 1970s.

[4] He wrote or co-wrote the majority of Uriah Heep's songs during this period, including the singles "Lady in Black" (on which he sang lead vocals), "Easy Livin'" and "Stealin'", as well as "Look at Yourself" and "Free Me".

[citation needed] In early 1965, Hensley formed a band called The Gods,[2] with the young guitarist Mick Taylor, well known later for his work with John Mayall and The Rolling Stones.

Hensley also then played on a one-album side project of The Gods initially planned to become their third album, but was recorded and eventually released in 1969/1970 under the moniker Head Machine's Orgasm.

The album was released before Hensley joined Toe Fat,[2] and might almost be considered a prototype for the harder side of his future work in Uriah Heep.

[2] Paul Newton asked Hensley (Christmas 1969) to join forces in Spice, as they were looking for a keyboard player to make their sound less bluesy and more progressive, in keeping with the current trend.

The band's "classic" line-up featured Hensley, Byron, Box, Kerslake and bassist Gary Thain, plus the management provided by Gerry Bron (Bronze Records).

He recorded an album, During the fourth Uriah Heep Annual Convention in London, May 2000, plans were made for a one-off concert by the so-called "Hensley/Lawton Band".

On 7 December 2001, both John Lawton and Ken Hensley appeared on stage with Uriah Heep during the annual Magician's Birthday Party at the Shepherd's Bush Empire in London.

Running Blind, his first effort in 21 years, was released worldwide in 2002 and followed by a world tour with his band called "Free Spirit", that included Dave Kilminster (guitar), Andy Pyle (bass) and Pete Riley (drums).

Lead vocals role were split between Hensley and Glenn Hughes (ex-Deep Purple, Trapeze, Black Sabbath), Jørn Lande (ex-The Snakes, Masterplan), John Lawton and Eve Gallagher.

In September 2008, Hensley went on stage again with former Heep bandmates Lawton, Kerslake and Newton along with ex-Focus guitarist Jan Dumée, for the "Heepvention 2008" fans meeting.