Dale Hawkins

Artist

Dale Hawkins

12

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About

Born: 22nd August 1936 Goldmine, Louisiana, USA.
Died: 13th February 2010.
Pioneer American rock singer, songwriter, producer and rhythm guitarist who was often called the architect of swamp rock boogie.
Brother of [a2342161]. Fellow rockabilly pioneer Ronnie Hawkins was his cousin.

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. The song was chosen as one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. Creedence Clearwater Revival's version of the song on their 1968 debut album helped launch their career and today it is probably the best known version.

Hawkins went on to a long and successful career, recording a number of songs for Chess Records. In 1998, Ace Records issued a compilation album, Dale Hawkins, Rock 'n' Roll Tornado, which contained a collection of his early works and previously unreleased material. Other recordings include the cult classic "LA, Memphis and Tyler, Texas," and a 1999 release, "Wildcat Tamer," of all-new recordings that garnered Hawkins a 4-star review in Rolling Stone. 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," Jon & Robin's "Do It Again – A Little Bit Slower." He served as executive vice president of Abnak Records; Vice President, Southwest Division, Bell Records (here he produced Bruce Channel, Ronnie Self, James Bell, the Festivals, the Dolls, and the Gentrys); and A&R director, RCA West Coast Rock Division, working with Michael Nesmith and Harry Nilsson. In the 1990s, he produced "Goin Back to Mississippi" by R. L. Burnside's slide guitarist, Kenny Brown.

Hawkins' pioneering contributions have been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

Data provided by Discogs

Top Tracks

Most popular songs on Last.fm · click ▶ to preview on Spotify

1

Susie-Q

Dale Hawkins

2

Susie Q

Dale Hawkins

3

Suzie Q

Dale Hawkins

4

Tornado

Dale Hawkins

5

Number Nine Train

Dale Hawkins

Setlists

14 live performances · data from Setlist.fm

All · 14
2009
2008
2005
2002
1997
1959
1958
1957

Setlist data provided by Setlist.fm

April 28, 2009

House of Blues

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States


April 29, 2008

The Parish

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States


April 26, 2005

Rock'n'Bowl

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States


August 2, 2002

Downtown Decatur

Decatur, Illinois, United States


November 29, 1997

Ravintola Kaisaniemi

Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland

Missing a show? Setlists sync automatically every 7 days.

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People Also Ask

Dale Hawkins has released 12 albums between 1958 and 2020. Notable releases include Susie-Q, Back Down To Louisiana, Wildcat Tamer. Explore their complete discography on this page.

Dale Hawkins' most-played tracks include Susie-Q, Susie Q, Suzie Q, Tornado, Number Nine Train. Listen to these songs and explore more from their catalog on this page.

Born: 22nd August 1936 Goldmine, Louisiana, USA.Died: 13th February 2010.Pioneer American rock singer, songwriter, producer and rhythm guitarist who was often called the architect of swamp rock boogie. Brother of [a2342161]. Fellow rockabilly pioneer... Read the full biography on this page.

You can find Dale Hawkins vinyl records, CDs and collectibles on eBay. Browse the selection of new and used releases available for purchase.

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