Washboard Willie

Washboard Willie
Background information
Birth nameWilliam Paden Hensley
Born(1906-07-24)July 24, 1906 or 1909
Bullock County, Alabama or Columbus, Georgia, United States
Died(1991-08-24)August 24, 1991 (age 82 or 85)
Detroit, Michigan, United States
GenresDetroit blues
Occupation(s)Singer, washboard player
Instrument(s)Vocals, washboard, harmonica, drums
Years active1952–1979

William Paden Hensley (July 24, 1906 or 1909 – August 24, 1991), known as Washboard Willie, was an American Detroit blues musician, who specialised in playing the washboard. He recorded tracks including "A Fool on a Mule in the Middle of The Road" plus "Cherry Red Blues", and worked variously with Eddie "Guitar" Burns, Baby Boy Warren, and Boogie Woogie Red.