 | This articleneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Dale Hawkins" – news ·newspapers ·books ·scholar ·JSTOR(June 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Dale Hawkins | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Delmar Allen Hawkins |
| Born | (1936-08-22)August 22, 1936 Goldmine Plantation |
| Died | February 13, 2010(2010-02-13) (aged 73) Little Rock,Arkansas, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1950s–2010 |
| Labels | Chess (Checker),London |
Delmar Allen "Dale"Hawkins (August 22, 1936 – February 13, 2010)[2] was a pioneer Americanrocksinger,songwriter, andrhythm guitarist who was often called the architect ofswamp rock boogie.
Hawkins was born inGoldmine Plantation inRichland Parish, Louisiana,[3] and while in his early teens moved with his family toBossier City. He began recording in 1956.[4] In 1957, Hawkins was playing atShreveport,Louisiana clubs, and although his music was influenced by the new rock and roll style ofElvis Presley and the guitar sounds ofScotty Moore, Hawkins blended that with the uniquely heavyblues sound ofblack Louisiana artists for his recording of his swamp-rock classic, "Susie Q."[5] Fellow Louisiana guitarist and futureRock and Roll Hall of FamerJames Burton provided the signature riff and solo;[5] this was also guitaristJoe Osborn's introduction to recording.
The song was chosen as one ofThe Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. An accompanying album,Oh! Suzy Q was released in 1958.Creedence Clearwater Revival's version of the song on their 1968debut album helped launch their career and today it is probably the best-known version.[5]
In 1958 Hawkins recorded a single ofWillie Dixon's "My Babe" at theChess Records studio in Chicago, featuring Telecaster guitaristRoy Buchanan.[6] He went on to a long and successful career. He recorded more songs forChess into the early 1960s. However, his career was not limited to recording or performing. He hosted a teen dance party,The Dale Hawkins Show, onWCAU-TV inPhiladelphia. He then became arecord producer, and found success withThe Uniques' "Not Too Long Ago," theFive Americans' "Western Union," andBruce Channel's "Hey! Baby".[5] In 1998,Ace Records issued acompilation album,Dale Hawkins, Rock 'n' Roll Tornado, which contained a collection of his early works and previously unreleased material. Other recordings included his 1969country rock album,L.A., Memphis & Tyler, Texas;[5] and a 1999 release,Wildcat Tamer, of all-new recordings that garnered Hawkins a 4-star review inRolling Stone.
Hawkins was executive vice president ofAbnak Records; Vice President, Southwest Division,Bell Records (here he producedBruce Channel,Ronnie Self,James Bell, the Festivals, the Dolls, andthe Gentrys); and A&R director, RCA West Coast Rock Division, working withMichael Nesmith andHarry Nilsson. In the 1990s, he produced "Goin Back to Mississippi" byR. L. Burnside's slide guitarist,Kenny Brown.
In October 2007, TheLouisiana Music Hall of Fame honored Dale Hawkins for his contributions to Louisiana music by inducting him into The Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame.[7] At the same time, he released his latest recording, "Back Down to Louisiana," inspired by a trip to his childhood home. It was recognized by theUK'smusic magazine,Mojo, as No. 10 in the Americana category in their 2007 Best of issue, whileL.A., Memphis & Tyler, Texas was awarded No. 8 in the reissue category. Hawkins' pioneering contributions have been recognized by theRockabilly Hall of Fame.
Arkansan andCanadian musicianRonnie Hawkins was Dale Hawkins' cousin.[8]
In 2005, Hawkins was diagnosed with colon cancer and began chemotherapy while continuing to perform in the US and abroad. He died on February 13, 2010, fromcolon cancer inLittle Rock, Arkansas.[2][9][10]
Studio albums
Live album
roy buchanan my babe.
