As the Kalamazoo hip-hop artist Headband Henny, Henry Parworth is a magnetic performer and a provocator of positivity. But even with millions of streams across digital platforms, and a rapidly growing fan base showing up at shows, he stays hyper-focused on the here and now.
Henry Parworth a.k.a. Headband Henny
It’s nearly noon on a Saturday in Kalamazoo. Across town, on the south side, a residential neighborhood is in full spring bloom. Trees form a canopy of green over the streets. Church bells ring in the distance. Pastel chalk murals cover the cracks in the sidewalk.
Henry Parworth grew up here in the Vine Neighborhood. It’s also where he wrote his first lyrics. While attending Loy Norrix High School, he’d spend much of his free time writing verses and perfecting rhymes after class (and sometimes during).
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As a kid, he remembers existing in his “own bubble,” oblivious to the thriving arts scene only a few steps from his front door, including iconic venues like Crow’s Nest. Now he’s a part of the scene’s fabric.
As the magnetic hip hop persona, Headband Henny, Parworth’s recent trajectory has been fueled by persistence and a love of the craft.
With over three millions streams on digital listening platforms, and a rapidly growing fan base, Parworth’s music is now extending beyond his longtime ZIP code. Recent shows across the state have been met with eager audiences and ample buzz.
“Being able to make the performances feel like a comfortable space is the main thing that I try to pursue whenever I’m doing a live show. Treat everybody that’s out there as a new friend, a new person who we’re experiencing this moment with right now,” says Parworth.
“Any way I can serve the moment is what I keep at the top of my head. So I try to pay attention to small details and little moments I can pursue during the set. That allows the people in the crowd to feel comfortable, even if they don’t like the music, even if they’re not jiving with it and it’s not their thing. I know it’s not going to be everybody’s thing.”
Headband Henny performs at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe on Friday, May 15th in Kalamazoo as part of the brewery’s 2026 Spring Concert Series. The 18+ show begins at 8 p.m. and includes support from Wavy Awakening and Tekeo. Tickets are available for $15. Then on July 24th, he’ll hit Chicago for a co-headliner with the artist Benten at Schuba’s Tavern.
Inside the quaint duplex apartment he shares with his wife, only a few blocks away from his childhood home, Parworth takes a seat at the control station of his studio. Nods to a few of his influences adorn the room: album art and prints of Kendrick Lamar, Steve Lacy and Frank Ocean. There’s a copy of Chance the Rapper’s legendary “Acid Rap” mixtape proudly on display.
This is where Parworth records most of his Headband Henny demos. It’s a humble setup – not the one you’d expect behind those six-figure streaming numbers. Just a no-frills midi keyboard, a desktop computer running Ableton Live and a head full of ideas.
From here, he ships out his ideas to mixing and mastering engineers, Sam Peters and Jack Harrison. On the final recordings, Parworth transforms into his Headband Henny alter-ego almost immediately. Displayed on the single, “David Letterman,” which features an explosive opening hook, Parworth shouts the chorus over a slinky drum beat and synths.
Or take “Iceberg,” from the studio album, Purple, released back in 2023. Parworth can be heard singing every line, trusting his keen melodic compass to guide him. It almost makes you forget about the dozens of verses he raps on other tracks. That is until hearing “Toyata Crunk.” Parworth rattles off the opening lines with a laid-back confidence and a flow so seamless that it becomes hypnotic.
When he’s performing as Henny, it’s a mainstage spectacle. Acting as both band leader and ring leader, Parworth is a provocator of positivity. He has a way of uniting any room he’s in, whatever the size.
Even still, he stands out at the foot of a stage. Self expression plays an important role in his ability to fully embody his artist persona; especially when it comes to clothing. In the world of hip hop, this has always been the case.
“Clothing and personal style means character to me. I feel like outfits can have so much character. Like hip hop outfits. An all black hoodie with some sweats. That’s got character. That says ‘I don’t care what you think about me, I’m about to spin on my head and do a bunch of back flips, you know?’ So that’s really how I look at style, is like the character that it brings,” Parworth says.
“It also helps me kind of transition into a different persona on stage. Granted, my style has been a little more calm since I got married. I just don’t feel the need to impress people as much as I used to. So now it’s more of this character feel.”
Outside of music, Parworth is a student, and a recent graduate of Western Michigan University where he completed a degree in exercise science. He hopes to eventually earn his doctorate in the field.
Parallel to his academic pursuits, his musical aspirations are equally as ambitious. He envisions someday relocating to a larger music industry hub like Los Angeles or New York. But not yet. He’s too focused on the here and now, building something honest and organic from the ground up. There’s a sense of loyalty to the city that raised him.
“I’d like to continue creating music in Kalamazoo because this is the place that, through and through, has always given me a chance, opportunities to meet new people and opportunities to perform. And I feel accepted here. This is the place that I call home,” Parworth says.
“So for right now, I love making music here, because it just feels so comfortable. I’ve had friends move to Chicago, New York or Los Angeles to chase the dream, and eventually that’s something I’d like to do as well. But I don’t feel like I’m there yet. I still think there’s more that Kalamazoo can give me, and there’s more than I can give Kalamazoo.”
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