Judy Henske

Judy Henske (born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, on 20 December 1942; died 27 April 2022) was an American singer and songwriter once known as “the Queen of the Beatniks”. Initially performing in folk clubs in the early 1960s, her performances and recordings embraced blues, jazz, show tunes, and humorous material. Her 1963 recording of "High Flying Bird" was influential on folk-rock.

Henske moved to California in the early 1960s, singing in coffee houses in San Diego and Los Angeles, and working with the likes of Lenny Bruce. Moving on to Oklahoma, she worked with ex-Kingston Trio member Dave Guard and the Whiskeyhill Singers, recording an album.