Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Remembering Kentucky native Jon Hensley

Colonel Johnathan Lee Hensley
Many in the music industry that have ever meet Jon Hensley have been saddened by his recent passing.  Jon was the manager of Shooter Jennings and Wanda Jackson, but also Vice-President of his record label, Black Country Rock.  He was also a proud Kentuckian and an official Kentucky Colonel.  In fact, many would know him as Col. Hensley.

I was fortunate to meet Jon a few times over the years.  Every time he was genuinely nice to those that were around him.  I hate that I never got a photo taken with him.  To this day, I always joked that any photo that he is in, he takes you back a generation or two with his style.  If there is one thing anyone could learn - be nice to everyone no matter what.

He was very into the music scene.  Wanda Jackson has seen a resurgence in her career with folks wanting to learn and hear more of her music, whether it be recorded or live.  Black Country Rock record label also has released never before heard recordings, as well as tracks from Mr. Belding of Save by the Bell, Billy Ray Cyrus, and more.  Recently they teamed up with Cracker Barrel to release a Waylon Jennings live concert onto cd.  CDs were not the only thing they would release on music formats - they included vinyl, digital, and even cassette tapes.

Please keep his family and friends in your prayers.  Below is his official obituary from Tucker Funeral Home in Central City, Kentucky.

Jonathan Lee Hensley, "The Last Mogul", age 31, of Greenville, died Monday, June 1, 2015, at his home. Mr. Hensley was born August 19, 1983, in Muhlenberg County. He was a member of Dogwood Christian Church in Christian County. He was the Official Manager of Shooter Jennings and Wanda Jackson, and he was Vice-President of his own record label, Black Country Rock at BCR Media. He was also a Kentucky Colonel.

He is survived by his parents, Tony and Dawn Hensley of Greenville; sister Whitney (Ronnie Jr.) Hensley-Young of Hopkinsville; grandparents Charles "Shack" and Gwyn Joines of Central City and Johnny and Glenda Hensley of Hopkinsville; nephew Nolan Young, his little cowboy; niece Habary Young, his little monster; aunts Kellie Joines, Jill Joines, Kecia (Timmy) Shelton, and Teresa "T.T." Hensley; uncle Darrin (Barbara) Joines; first cousins Paige Sheldon Harrell, Adam Joines, and Dylan Joines; and the most important companion, soul mate, and love of his life, Mary Sparr of Bowling Green.

Funeral services will be Friday, June 5, 2015, at 1:00PM at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City, with Rev. Justin Latham officiating. Burial will be in Eades Cemetery in Greenville. Visitation will be Thursday, from 5:30-8PM at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.  A memorial fund has been set up by Jon Hensley's family to help offset the cost of the funeral and burial.  To donate, be sure to visit here.