ERSKINE HAWKINS AND HIS ORCHESTRA

Biography

Erskine Hawkins (1914–1993) was a renowned American trumpeter, composer, and big band leader, celebrated as the 'Twentieth-Century Gabriel' for his dazzling high-note trumpet work and flamboyant solos. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Hawkins began his musical journey as a drummer before switching to trumpet in his early teens. He attended Alabama State Teachers College, where he led the Bama State Collegians, a college band that gained a reputation as one of the finest of its era. In 1934, Hawkins and his band moved to New York, where their energetic performances at the Savoy Ballroom quickly established them as a major force in the swing scene.

By 1938, the group had evolved into the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra, signing with RCA Bluebird and later RCA Victor, and becoming the house band at the Savoy Ballroom. Their signature tune, 'Tuxedo Junction,' became a jazz standard and a major hit in 1939, though it later achieved even greater commercial success in a version by Glenn Miller. Hawkins's orchestra was known for its driving swing, bluesy undertones, and danceable arrangements, maintaining a hard-swinging style even as other bands became more commercial. The band remained popular through the 1940s and early 1950s, outlasting many contemporaries, and Hawkins continued performing well into his seventies.

Hawkins's legacy endures through his recordings and the many musicians he mentored and inspired. He was a key figure in the development of swing and rhythm-and-blues, and his influence extended to artists such as Ray Charles. Inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame as one of its first honorees, Hawkins is remembered as a trailblazer who brought the vibrant sounds of Birmingham and Harlem to national prominence.

Fun Facts

• Erskine Hawkins composed 'Tuxedo Junction' as a tribute to a Birmingham nightspot; the song became a jazz standard and was later a massive hit for Glenn Miller.
• Hawkins's orchestra was the house band at Harlem's Savoy Ballroom, alternating sets with Chick Webb's band to keep dancers on the floor all night.
• He was nicknamed 'The 20th Century Gabriel' for his powerful, high-note trumpet playing, referencing the biblical angel Gabriel.
• Hawkins was among the first five inductees into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, reflecting his pioneering role in jazz history.

Members

• Jimmy Harris
• Erskine Hawkins
• Raymond Hogan - trombone
• Bob Johnson
• William Johnson
• Charlie Jones - trumpet
• Kelly Martin - drums (drum set)
• Aaron Maxwell - saxophone
• Jimmy Mitchelle - alto saxophone
• Robert Range
• Lee Stanfield - double bass

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Fess Whatley - Whatley was a legendary Birmingham bandleader and music educator whose rigorous training shaped Hawkins and many of his early bandmates. (Jazz Demons, Birmingham jazz tradition) [1920s–1930s]
• J.B. Sims - Sims led the Bama State Collegians before Hawkins took over as bandleader. (Bama State Collegians) [early 1930s]

Key Collaborators

• Dud Bascomb - Trumpeter and frequent soloist in Hawkins's orchestra. (Erskine Hawkins Orchestra recordings) [1930s–1940s]
• Paul Bascomb - Tenor saxophonist and key member of the orchestra. (Erskine Hawkins Orchestra) [1930s–1940s]
• Julian Dash - Tenor saxophonist and featured soloist. (Erskine Hawkins Orchestra) [1930s–1940s]
• Haywood Henry - Baritone saxophonist and regular band member. (Erskine Hawkins Orchestra) [1930s–1940s]
• Avery Parrish - Pianist and composer, notably co-wrote 'Tuxedo Junction.' ('Tuxedo Junction', Erskine Hawkins Orchestra) [1930s–1940s]
• Sammy Lowe - Trumpeter and arranger for the orchestra. (Arrangements for Erskine Hawkins Orchestra) [1930s–1940s]
• Ida James - Vocalist with the orchestra. (Erskine Hawkins Orchestra) [1940s]
• Delores Brown - Vocalist with the orchestra. (Erskine Hawkins Orchestra) [1940s]
• Della Reese - Vocalist with the orchestra before her solo career. (Erskine Hawkins Orchestra) [1940s]

Artists Influenced

• Ray Charles - Hawkins's blend of swing and rhythm-and-blues was a formative influence on the young Ray Charles. (Early Ray Charles recordings) [1940s–1950s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Tuxedo Junction (The Original Tuxedo Junction)
2. Tuxedo Junction (Tuxedo Junction)
3. Tippin' In - Digitally Mastered - September 1991 (Tuxedo Junction)
4. Rockin' Rollers' Jubilee (The Original Tuxedo Junction)
5. Tippin' In
6. Rockin' Rollers' Jubilee (Tuxedo Junction)
7. Tuxedo Junction
8. Tuxedo Junction
9. After Hours - Digitally Mastered - September 1991 (Tuxedo Junction)
10. Big-Wig in the Wigwam (The Original Tuxedo Junction)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #big-band, #jazz, #swing