Bo Hansson, a Swedish keyboard player and composer, was first known in the 1960s. He was part of a duo which made a name for themselves in Sweden, then on tour in Europe and eventually released three albums. Jimi Hendrix reportedly heard Hansson and recorded some songs that remain unreleased. Hansson recorded one of his songs (“Tax-Free”) and the guitarist later toured with The Experience. Hansson’s concept album Lord of the Rings was released in the early 1970s. It featured all-instrumental arrangements that were inspired by the J.R.R. Tolkien literary trilogy. Tolkien was a long-standing favorite among college students. The album won gold record awards in Australia and England. The album was licensed by Tony Stratton Smith’s Charisma Records label, in America and England. It also received a large television advertising campaign that made it a big hit in progressive rock circles. Attic Thoughts and Magician’s Hat were released in Europe and America. Hansson had not recorded since the 1980s, after becoming ill. Hansson died April 24, 2010, according to allmusic
