Ken Hensley

Ken Hensley was a founding member of Uriah Heep, the British progressive rock band that formed in 1969 with vocalist David Byron, guitarist Mick Box, bassist Paul Newton, and drummer Keith Baker. He wrote songs for the group, including 'Black Hearted Lady' from their 1971 album 'Salisbury.' That track, along with others like 'How shall I know' and 'Guilty' from his solo work, shows his hand with moody, melodic rock.

After his time with Uriah Heep, Hensley put out solo records such as 'Proud Words on a Dusty Shelf' in 1973 and 'Eager to Please' in 1975. He kept writing and recording over the decades, with albums like 'Free Spirit' in 1980 and 'From Time to Time' in 1994. His music didn't chase trends; it stayed rooted in the kind of thoughtful, guitar-based rock he helped shape early on.

He worked with various musicians through the years, including bassist John Wetton and drummer Lee Kerslake on different projects. Hensley's songs, whether with the band or on his own, have a direct, unadorned quality that avoids flash for its own sake. They're just solid rock tunes that hold up.