Ken E Henson

Kenneth Edward Henson (March 28, 1947 – May 24, 2007), better known as Ken E Henson, (and sometimes Kenny Henson), was a South African singer, guitarist, sitar player and composer. He co-founded the progressive bands Freedom's Children and Abstract Truth. He later formed the duo Finch & Henson with the late Brian Finch.

Ken E Henson
Background information
Birth name	Kenneth Edward Henson
Born	(1947-03-28)March 28, 1947 Durban, South Africa
Died	May 24, 2007(2007-05-24) (aged 60)
Genres	Progressive Rock
Instruments	Guitar, sitar
Years active	1963–2007
Labels	Uptight, EMI Parlophone, Fresh Music, Warner Bros. Records, WEA
Associated acts	Freedom's Children, Abstract Truth, Finch & Henson

Biography

Ken E Henson was born in Danbur, South Africa on March 28, 1947. He began playing guitar at the age of 10, and formed his first group, Leemen Ltd, in 1963.

Henson is best remembered for Freedom's Children, a group he formed in 1966 with bassist Ramsay Mackay and drummer Colin Pratley. After releasing just two songs with Freedom's Children, he left the band in 1968 to join The Bats for a six-week sojourn[1]. He was replaced on guitar by Julian Laxton. In 1969 he formed the group Abstract Truth with Mike Dickman and Pete Measroch, where he was on vocals, guitar and sitar. With Abstract Truth he released 3 albums from 1969 to 1971[2]. With Brian Finch, Henson formed Finch & Henson, the duo toured South Africa extensively[3]. Brian Finch and Ken E Henson met in 1970 when Henson was performing with Lee Men Limited. They performed as Finch & Henson from 1970 until 1981, and then got together for various concerts, right up until Henson passed[4].

In the last two decades of his career, Henson worked with many important South African musicians, including Piet Botha, Steve Fataar, Neill Solomon, Roger Lucey, Nibs van der Spuy[2].

Death

Henson died on May 24, 2007 at the age of 60 after suffering from emphysema.

Discography

Freedom's Children Singles 1967: The Coffee Song single a-side 1967 1967: (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction single b-side Album 1990: A New Day Abstract Truth Albums 1970: Totum 1970: Silver Trees Compilations 1970: Cool Sounds For Heads 2005: Silver Trees & Totum Finch and Henson Albums 1976: Playgrounds in Paradise 1978: High Octane 1979: Recycled 1980: At Home in the Dark Singles 1977: Free & Easy (7") 1978: Love You A Little More Every Day (7", Single) 1980: Oh Brother (You´ve Got A Long Way To Go) (7", Single)

As Ken E Henson or Kenny Henson 1974: Bringing Back The Good Times – Brian Finch, Asylum, AUC4504 featuring Kenny on guitar 1977: Let Us Become Men – Ken E Henson as Kenny Henson 1977: Playgrounds in Paradise 1978: High Octane 1978: Giving A Little Away – Ken E Henson's Harambee 1979: Recycled 1980: At Home in the Dark – half-studio, half-live 1993: Free And Easy – The Very Best Of Finch And Henson 2002: Hero of Heroes – Brian Finch 2002: Another Time, Another Place – Ken E Henson 2003: Never Look Back – Brian Finch featuring Ken E Henson 2003: Bringing Back The Good Times (re-issue) – Brian Finch

References

1. Currin, Brian. "Abstract Truth: Early 70s prog-rockers". The South African Rock Encyclopedia. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
2. Donaldson, Andrew. "Ken E Henson". Sunday Times. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
3. Walford, Lauren. "Benefit concert for Brian Finch". Berea Mail. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
4. "Brian Finch showcases 40 years of song". Caxton & CTP Printers and Publishers Ltd. Retrieved May 5, 2020.