Screamin' Jay Hawkins

When it comes to eccentric and flamboyant artists, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins undoubtedly stands out from the crowd. His wild on-stage antics, swampy bluesy sound, and unique vocals made him one of the most unforgettable musicians of all time. Yet, beneath the theatrics, lay a true musical genius. In this article, we’ll delve into the untold musical biography of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, tracing his beginnings, his most famous albums, his most famous songs, and his significant contributions to the world of music.

Beginnings

Born on July 18, 1929, in Cleveland, Ohio, Jay Hawkins was one of four children. Losing his mother at just a young age, he was raised by his grandmother, who exposed him to religious music at an early age. This experience would later have a significant impact on his musical work. As a teenager, Hawkins ran away from home and began a career busking on the streets of various U.S. cities. During this time, he developed his unique vocal style, infusing it with exaggerated screams, grunts, and other sounds.

Most Famous Albums

Hawkins’ most famous album is undoubtedly At Home with Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, released in 1958. It featured his iconic piece I Put a Spell on You, which many consider his greatest hit. This album is quintessential Hawkins, featuring his bold style, eerie groove, and provocative lyrics. Other notable works include Black Music for White People (1961), Real Life (1983), and Live and Crazy (1991).

Most Famous Songs

I Put a Spell on You has to be the most famous song by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. It’s one of those tunes that just stick with you. Another notable hit is Constipation Blues, which features Hawkins’ trademark primal growls and growls. Other must-listens include Frenzy, Alligator Wine, and Whistling Past the Graveyard.

Musical Style and Influences

Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ music is rooted in R&B, blues, and rock n roll. However, his sound is unclassifiable, infused with elements of jazz, gospel, and even classical music. Hawkins was heavily influenced by jazz legends such as Cab Calloway and Louis Jordan, who taught him the importance of showmanship and stage antics. He was also influenced by the songwriter and pianist Tom Waits, who once called him the iGodfather of Shock Rock.

In sum, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ musical legacy continues to inspire musicians and listeners around the world. His theatrical performances, haunting voice, and contributions to the blues genre left an indelible mark in music history. From his humble beginnings as a street performer to his worldwide stardom, Hawkins’ story is one of hard work, innovation, and showmanship. And although he passed away in 2000, his spirit and music live on, proving that true musical geniuses never truly die.

It's difficult to have a conversation about influential voices in music that doesn't mention Screamin' Jay Hawkins. He was the enigmatic master of musical horror and shock, whose iconic stage presence made him unlike any other performer at his time. His outsized onstage performances and pioneering mix of blues, R&B and rock 'n' roll influenced generations of future musicians even beyond rock, including Beefheart and Bowie. Though much has been said regarding Hawkins' legacy as a wild musician associated with macabre classics such as I Put A Spell On You, there's still so much more to unearth from both his personal life and discography – something we're all itching to explore!

When we think of the most influential voices in music, our minds often wander towards the usual suspects: Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Madonna, and Michael Jackson, to name a few. But one name that deserves to be on that list, especially for fans of blues, R&B, and rock 'n' roll, is Screamin' Jay Hawkins. This enigmatic master of musical horror and shock left an undeniable mark on music history with his unique blend of gritty vocals and theatrical stage presence. In this blog post, we'll delve deeper into Hawkins' life and musical career, exploring why he is often considered a trailblazer in the music industry and how his legacy continues to influence generations of musicians.

Hawkins was born Jalacy Hawkins in 1929 in Cleveland, Ohio. As a child, he showed a natural talent for music and loved listening to blues and jazz records by the likes of Cab Calloway and Louis Armstrong. Later on, he joined the army and played in the army band, honing his skills as a performer. After leaving the army, he began performing in nightclubs and theaters, eventually signing a recording contract with OKeh Records in 1952. It wasn't until 1956, however, that he would release his most famous song, I Put A Spell On You. It was a raw, hypnotic track that showcased his distinctive vocal style - a mix of thundering growls and falsetto wails - as well as his knack for the theatrical. The song's success was largely due to the controversy it generated; Hawkins' onstage antics and wild performances often included voodoo props, coffins, and live snakes.

But Hawkins' musical legacy goes beyond I Put A Spell On You. He was a true innovator in the realm of blues and rock 'n' roll, blending different genres and experimenting with unusual sounds. He played the piano, organ, and guitar, and often used unusual instruments like a coffin-shaped organ. Hawkins' music was a precursor to the shock rock genre, which emerged in the '70s with artists like Alice Cooper and Kiss. His influence can also be heard in the music of punk rockers like The Cramps and The Clash, who admired Hawkins' raw energy and do-it-yourself ethos.

Hawkins' personal life was just as colorful and mysterious as his music. He claimed to have fathered over 75 children, though the number has never been confirmed. He was married six times and had numerous affairs with women, including actress Mamie Van Doren. Hawkins was notoriously difficult to interview and would often give contradictory information about his life and career. He passed away in 2000 at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy that continues to fascinate and inspire fans and musicians alike.

Screamin' Jay Hawkins was one of a kind - a wild, explosive performer whose music and personality left an indelible mark on the music industry. His innovative blend of blues, R&B, and rock 'n' roll set the stage for future generations of musicians to experiment with new sounds and push boundaries. While his personal life may have been shrouded in myth and contradiction, his music speaks for itself. Hawkins' legacy serves as a reminder that music can be just as much about the spectacle as it is about the sound - and for that reason, he will always be remembered as one of the most influential voices in music.