Dale Hawkins – Biography, Songs, Albums, Discography & Facts
Dale Hawkins Biography
Delmar Allen “Dale” Hawkins was a pioneering American rock singer, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist known as the “Father of Swamp Rock Boogie.” His cousin was Ronnie Hawkins.
In 1956, he began recording. In 1957, Hawkins was performing in Shreveport, Louisiana clubs, and while his music was influenced by Elvis Presley‘s new rock and roll style and Scotty Moore’s guitar sounds, Hawkins blended that with the uniquely heavy blues sound of black Louisiana artists for his recording of his swamp-rock classic, “Susie Q.” James Burton, a fellow Louisiana guitarist and future Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, contributed the characteristic riff and solo.
The song was named as one of the 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll by The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Oh! Suzy Q, an accompanying album, was released in 1958. The rendition of the song by Creedence Clearwater Revival on their 1968 first album helped launch their career, and it is perhaps the most well-known version today.
At the Chess Records studio in Chicago in 1958, Hawkins recorded a single of Willie Dixon’s “My Babe” with Telecaster guitarist Roy Buchanan. He went on to have a long and prosperous career. He continued to record songs for Chess until the early 1960s. His career, however, was not restricted to recording or performing. On WCAU-TV in Philadelphia, he hosted The Dale Hawkins Show, a teen dance party. He then became a record producer, and his hits included The Uniques’ “Not Too Long Ago,” the Five Americans’ “Western Union,” and Bruce Channel’s “Hey! Baby.” Dale Hawkins, Rock ‘n’ Roll Tornado, a compilation CD published by Ace Records in 1998, comprised a collection of his early works as well as previously unheard material. Other albums include L.A., Memphis, and Tyler, Texas, a 1969 country rock album, and Wildcat Tamer, a 1999 release of all-new songs that earned Hawkins a 4-star review in Rolling Stone.
He was executive vice president of Abnak Records, vice president of Bell Records’ Southwest Division (where he produced Bruce Channel, Ronnie Self, James Bell, the Festivals, the Dolls, and the Gentrys), and A&R director of RCA’s West Coast Rock Division, where he worked with Michael Nesmith and Harry Nilsson. He produced “Goin Back to Mississippi” by R. L. Burnside’s slide guitarist, Kenny Brown, in the 1990s. The Rockabilly Hall of Fame has honoured Hawkins’ pioneering efforts.
He was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2005 and underwent chemotherapy while continuing to perform in the United States and internationally. Dale Hawkins was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in October 2007 in recognition of his contributions to Louisiana music. Simultaneously, he released his latest album, “Back Down to Louisiana,” which was inspired by a visit to his native home. It was ranked No. 10 in the Americana category by the UK’s music magazine Mojo in their 2007 Best of issue, while L.A., Memphis & Tyler, Texas was ranked No. 8 in the reissue category.
Hawkins died of colon cancer on February 13, 2010 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Dale Hawkins Discography
| Back Down To Louisiana | |
| Wildcat Tamer | |
| LA, Memphis & Tyler, Texas | |
| Oh! Suzy-Q |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dale Hawkins?
Dale Hawkins wrote and recorded “Susie-Q” in 1957. The song reached number 87 on the US pop charts that year. In 1968, it was covered by Creedence Clearwater Revival, whose version became a hit in both the US and UK, reaching number 11 in the US and number eight in the UK.
What Songs Did Sam And Dave Sing?
“Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin'” are two of the most famous songs recorded by Sam and Dave. The duo also had several other hits, including “I Thank You,” “Knock On Wood,” and “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby.” Sam and Dave were known for their dynamic stage performances, which often included acrobatic dance moves andSam’s trademark “stairway to heaven” move, in which he would lie down on his back and slide up an imaginary staircase.
Who Wrote Sam And Dave Songs?
Sam and Dave were a soul and R&B duo who wrote and performed many of their own songs. Some of their most popular songs include “Soul Man”, “I Thank You”, and “Hold On, I’m Comin’.” They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
What Happened To Sam & Dave?
The duo Sam & Dave were one of the most popular and successful soul groups of the 1960s. They had a string of hit singles, including “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’.” But by the early 1970s, their popularity had begun to decline, and they broke up in 1981.
What Is Sam Cooke‘S Favorite Song?
“A Change is Gonna Come” is Sam Cooke’s favorite song. He wrote the song after experiencing racism firsthand and hearing about the death of a young black man who was killed by police officers. The song became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement and has been covered by many artists over the years. Cooke was a highly successful singer and songwriter in the 1950s and 1960s, and “A Change is Gonna Come” is considered one of his signature songs.
Most Searched For Dale Hawkins Songs
| Suzie-Q | |
| U & ME | |
| Little Pig | |
| My Babe | |
| Wildcat Tamer | |
| Everglades | |
| Every Little Girl | |
| Wild Wild World | |
| Tornado | |
| Four Letter Word |