K. K. Downing is a British musician best known as the co-founder and lead guitarist of the heavy metal band Judas Priest. Born on October 27, 1951, in West Bromwich, England, he played a significant role in shaping the band's sound and image, contributing to their rise in the heavy metal genre during the 1970s and 1980s. Downing was instrumental in creating many of Judas Priest's iconic songs and albums, including "British Steel" and "Screaming for Vengeance." He is recognized for his distinctive guitar style and the use of twin lead guitars, which became a hallmark of the band's music. In 2011, he left the band but remains a prominent figure in rock music.