Ronnie Hawkins, the rockabilly musician whose career has spanned more than half a century, is 80 years old today. Though his career began in Arkansas, where hed been born and raised, it was in Ontario, Canada where he found success and settled for most of his life. He is considered highly influential in the establishment and evolution of rock music in Canada. Also known as Rompin Ronnie, Mr. Dynamo or simply The Hawk, Hawkins was one of the key players in the 1960s rock scene in Toronto. Throughout his career, Hawkins has performed all across North America and recorded more than twenty-five albums. His hit songs included covers of Chuck Berrys Thirty Days (entitled Forty Days by Hawkins) and Young Jessies Mary Lou, a song about a gold digging woman.” His other well-known recordings are Who Do You Love?, Hey Bo Diddley and Suzie Q, which was written by his cousin, the late rockabilly artist Dale Hawkins. Hawkins is also notable for his role as something of a talent scout and mentor. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of premiere backing musicians via his band, The Hawks. The most successful of those eventually forming The Band, while other musicians Hawkins had recruited provided the makings of Robbie Lane & The Disciples, Janis Joplins Full Tilt Boogie Band, Crowbar, Bearfoot and Skylark. Here, Hawkins performs “Who Do You Love” with the Band at The Last Waltz in 1976.
Posted on: Sat, 10 Jan 2015 07:15:41 +0000
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