Elbert Hensley, Jr., a native of Greenville, TX, was born to the late Ruthiea L. Morgan and Elbert Hensley, Sr. and stepson of the late Leslie M. Morgan, Sr. and Jewel F. Hensley. Elbert Jr., accepted Christ at an early age and began formal training in piano at age 12.
Elbert, graduated from Pampa High School and did his undergraduate studies in piano and vocal performance at Texas A & M University (Formerly known as East Texas State University). Elbert Jr., received instruction in voice, piano, and conducting under the tutelage of Jerry Doan, Royal Brantley, William Abbott, Bill Evans, Stanley Potter, Ken Frereichs, Dr. William Gorham, Dr. Lloyd Hansen, and Dr. High Sanders. As a student, Mr. Hensley received the Houston Bright Scholarship, American Choral Directors Association Outstanding Student Award, and was a NATS Finalist 1980 and became a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity.
Also, during his tenure as a student, he was also hired as Musical Director for the Frenchy McCormick and Country Squire Dinner Theaters as well as serving as Musical Director for The New Day Singers, who did two summer USO tours to the Carribean and South Pacific. Hensley as well has other secular experience in serving as musical director for shows with the Dallas Children’s Theater and as well as being piano accompanist for such shows and operas as The Sound Of Music, Guys & Doll, Annie Get Your Gun, West Side Story, A Little Night Music, Tosca, Carmen, Le Nozze Di Figaro, Gianni Schicchi, and several others.
At ETSU, the Lord lead him to the New Birth Gospel Chorale of which he eventually became the Musical director and of which the Hensley's was born. During his tenure at New Birth, God blessed them to receive three 1st place awards in the national choir competition at the National Baptist Student Union Retreat.
Hensley is also a member and currently serves as Minister of Music of The James Cleveland Gospel Music Workshop of America (Dallas Chapter) and in August 2005 & August 2006, Hensley was blessed to write songs, "Give Him Praise" & "We’ve Come To Worship You" that was accepted to be presented at the National GMWA Convention. He is a member and again serves as Minister of Music at the Goodwill Baptist Church –Dallas, Texas. Also, under Elbert's direction, the Hensley Ensemble has won 1st place awards in two gospel music competitions at the Dallas Black Expo and the New Artist Showcase in Houston, Texas. So, Brother Hensley has vast experience as he gives leadership to the group; "The Hensley Ensemble"
