Through Willie's guidence Kevin's playing went from strength to strength and this was evident when he won the intermediate section of ' Shetlands Young Fiddler of the Year' competition, aged 11. He continued as a prize winner in the event for a number of years following this.
When aged 14, Kevin helped co-found Shetland group, Fiddlers' Bid who have gone on to become one of Scotland's most sought after acts and have now toured extensively across the UK, Europe, Australia, Japan and North America, playing at major festivals along the way. They have recorded 4 albums to date, one of which was Greentrax's best selling album of 2002. Fiddlers' Bid have also been involved in numerous television and radio broadcasts around the globe.
When aged 16, Kevin unfortunately had to give up his lesson's with Willie Hunter as he decided to leave school and begin an electrical apprenticeship. The fiddle took a back seat for a few years due to work commitments but fortunately this was to change when he was asked to join Shetland group ' Drop the Box' when he was aged 19. He went on to perform with the band for around 5 years and during this time toured across the UK, Europe and Canada and recorded on the bands second CD, 'Honeytrap'.
In the winter of 2001 Kevin was asked to guest on folk legends, Boys of the Lough CD, 'Lonesome Blues and Dancing Shoes' and following this was asked to tour with the group for a tour of the USA in the spring of 2002 and this made Kevin decide to have a go at playing music professionaly, something he had wanted to do for a number of years.
Kevin moved to Glasgow after this tour and is now a fully established member of the 'Boys' and to date has completed 13 extensive tours of the USA as well as touring across the UK and Europe. In addition to this Kevin has been involved in numerous television and radio broadcasts in the UK, Ireland and the USA including Garrison Keillors legendary ' A Prairie Home Companion' radio show and has recorded on the groups latest CD, 'Twenty'.
In 2004 Kevin was asked to play with Session A9 at the Orkney Folk Festival in the absence of Duncan Chisholm and soon after was asked to join on a permanent basis. He has performed with the band at major festivals throughout the UK and Europe as well performances in North America. Session A9 are currently working on their second CD which should be out soon.
Kevin has also recorded on a special track alongside Irish singer, Shane McGowan, for a BBC Scotland documentry on Celtic Football legend, Jimmy 'Jinky' Johnstone. He also sang backing vocals on the track, probably not to be listened too! This was quite an honour for Kevin as he has been a life long Celtic supporter!
Kevin is currently in the middle of recording his first solo CD which will hopefully be completed towards the end of the year.
"Kevin Henderson's fiddle playing is all effortless grace and skill" - BBC2 Folk & Acoustic
"Adroit Fiddling" - The Irish Echo