Jon Hensley was a radio personality and artist manager who died at his home in Bowling Green, Kentucky on June 1, 2015. He was 31 years old. He was best known as the host of the nationally syndicated Are You Ready for the Country? radio program, and for managing artists such as Shooter Jennings and Wanda Jackson.
What Happened to Jon Hensley?
According to the autopsy and toxicology report, the official cause of death for Jon Hensley was “Asphyxia via Choking on Food Substance” and “Ethanol Andalprazolam Intoxication.” Hensley choked on a piece of food that blocked his airway, and was also intoxicated by the combined effects of alcohol and Xanax, a prescription drug used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. His blood alcohol level was 0.300%, which is over three times the legal limit in Kentucky. The amount of Xanax in his system was 49.9 ng/mL, which is above the therapeutic range of 10.00 to 40.00 ng/mL.
The death was ruled accidental by the medical examiner, and no foul play was suspected. Hensley also had two minor injuries: a scabbed abrasion over his left eye, and an abrasion on his left leg. These injuries were not related to his death.
Who Was Jon Hensley?
Jon Hensley was born in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, and graduated from Muhlenberg North High School. He started his career in broadcasting at the age of 14, when he created an internet radio station called DarkSide of the Radio with his friend Brad Turner. He later launched his first commercial radio show, Are You Ready for the Country?, which featured interviews with rock and country icons such as Chris Robinson, John Paul Jones, Porter Wagoner, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, and Kris Kristofferson.
Hensley also worked as a manager and promoter for several recording artists, including Al Green, Percy Sledge, Mark Collie, Goose Creek Symphony, Shooter Jennings, and Shane Tutmarc. He was instrumental in raising awareness for Wanda Jackson’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, by reaching out to Elvis Costello and Bob Dylan to support the campaign.
Hensley was a passionate and influential figure in the music industry, who championed diverse and authentic styles of music. He was also a close friend of the internet personality Angry Grandpa. He is survived by his parents, his brother, his sister, and his niece.
