Dale Hawkins

Background Hawkins was born in Goldmine Plantation in Richland Parish, Louisiana, and while in his early teens moved with his family to Bossier City. He began recording in 1956. In 1957, Hawkins was playing at Shreveport, Louisiana clubs, and although his music was influenced by the new rock and roll style of Elvis Presley and the guitar sounds of Scotty Moore, Hawkins blended that with the uniquely heavy blues sound of black Louisiana artists for his recording of his swamp-rock classic, "Susie Q." Fellow Louisiana guitarist and future Rock and Roll Hall of Famer James Burton provided the signature riff and solo; He went on to a long and successful career. He recorded more songs for Chess into the early 1960s. However, his career was not limited to recording or performing. He hosted a teen dance party, The Dale Hawkins Show, on WCAU-TV in Philadelphia. He then became a record producer, and found success with The Uniques' "Not Too Long Ago," the Five Americans' "Western Union," and Bruce Channel's "Hey! Baby". The 26 November 1966 issue of Record World had it as one of the Sleepers of the Week.

Hawkins worked with the group, The Brass Buttons. He produced the single, "Before My Time" bw "I Can't Stand It", which was released on the Bell label in 1970.

In the 1990s, he produced "Goin Back to Mississippi" by R. L. Burnside's slide guitarist, Kenny Brown.

In October 2007, The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame honored Dale Hawkins for his contributions to Louisiana music by inducting him into The Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame. 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 the UK's music magazine, Mojo, as No. 10 in the Americana category in their 2007 Best of issue, while L.A., Memphis & Tyler, Texas was awarded No. 8 in the reissue category. Hawkins' pioneering contributions have been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

Personal life Arkansan and Canadian musician Ronnie Hawkins was Dale Hawkins' cousin.

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, from colon cancer in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Discography Studio albums Oh! Suzy-Q (1958) LA, Memphis & Tyler, Texas (1969) Wildcat Tamer (1999) Back Down To Louisiana (2007)

Live album Let's All Twist At The Miami Beach Peppermint Lounge (1962)