Background
Purdy was born in Chicago in 1913, and raised mostly in Auburn, New York, by his mother after his father, songwriter William Thomas Purdy ( 1882–1918 ) (On, Wisconsin!) died when Ken was only six.
Purdy was born in Chicago in 1913, and raised mostly in Auburn, New York, by his mother after his father, songwriter William Thomas Purdy ( 1882–1918 ) (On, Wisconsin!) died when Ken was only six.
Ken graduated in 1934 from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Soon after, he got his first newspaper job with the Athol, Massachusetts, Daily News. From there he went to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to the Chicago Radio Guide, to associate editor of Look. And to the United States Office of War Information as editor of Victory during World World War World War II He was an editor at Parade, Carolina and Driver, Argosy and True magazines between the late 40"s and mid 50"son
Purdy"s main interests were automobiles and the people who drove them.
Among other things, he produced 35 short stories and scores of automotive pieces for Playboy. His Kings of the Road, published in 1949, is still a landmark.
Purdy died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on June 7, 1972, in Wilton, Connecticut. The International Motor Press Association presents the annual Ken West. Purdy Award to a writer for an outstanding body of work or a specific piece of work that deals with the automotive world.
Member of Delta Kappa Epsilon. Clubs: Sports Carolina American, Antique Automobile American.
Married Lucille von Urff, January 6, 1946. Children: Geoffrey, Tabitha.