Screamin Jay Hawkins

Biography

Jalacy "Screamin' Jay" Hawkins (July 18, 1929 – February 12, 2000) was an American singer, songwriter, and actor, best remembered for his flamboyant stage persona and the iconic hit "I Put a Spell on You." Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Hawkins spent his early years in an orphanage before being adopted. A piano prodigy, he taught himself to play and could read music by age six. Initially aspiring to be an opera singer, inspired by Paul Robeson and Mario Lanza, Hawkins' ambitions shifted after military service in World War II and a stint as a Golden Gloves boxing champion[1][2][4].

In the early 1950s, Hawkins worked with artists like Tiny Grimes and Fats Domino before launching his solo career. His breakthrough came in 1956 with the raucous, voodoo-infused recording of "I Put a Spell on You," a song originally intended as a ballad but transformed during a famously inebriated studio session. Encouraged by DJ Alan Freed, Hawkins developed a theatrical, macabre stage act—emerging from coffins, wielding skull props, and donning outlandish costumes—which made him a pioneer of shock rock and a cult figure in the U.S., Europe, and Japan[1][2][3][4].

Hawkins' influence extended beyond his own recordings, as his unique blend of blues, soul, and theatricality inspired generations of musicians. He continued to perform internationally, appeared in films, and remained a larger-than-life figure until his death in France in 2000[1][2][3].

Fun Facts

• Hawkins originally wrote "I Put a Spell on You" as a ballad, but the hit version was recorded after a night of heavy drinking, resulting in the wild vocal style that became his trademark[1][3].
• He was an accomplished boxer, winning a Golden Gloves championship in 1943 and becoming the middleweight boxing champion of Alaska in 1949[2].
• His stage act, which included emerging from coffins and using skull props, was so outrageous that the NAACP criticized it for perpetuating negative stereotypes[1].
• Hawkins claimed he fathered dozens of children, and a 2001 documentary titled "I Put a Spell on Me" explored his colorful life and legacy[3].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Paul Robeson - Musical idol and inspiration for Hawkins' early opera ambitions (General influence, no direct collaboration) [1940s]
• Mario Lanza - Operatic influence and inspiration for vocal style (General influence, no direct collaboration) [1940s]

Key Collaborators

• Tiny Grimes - Band leader; Hawkins was vocalist, pianist, and chauffeur (Recordings with Tiny Grimes' band) [1951–1952]
• Fats Domino - Worked together in early 1950s, likely as session musicians (Live performances and sessions) [Early 1950s]

Artists Influenced

• Alice Cooper - Adopted theatrical shock rock stagecraft pioneered by Hawkins (Stage shows, persona) [1970s–present]
• Marilyn Manson - Cited Hawkins as a precursor to his own shock rock style (Covers of "I Put a Spell on You" and stage theatrics) [1990s–present]
• Nina Simone - Covered "I Put a Spell on You," bringing Hawkins' song to new audiences ("I Put a Spell on You" (cover, 1965)) [1960s]
• Creedence Clearwater Revival - Recorded a famous cover of "I Put a Spell on You" ("I Put a Spell on You" (cover, 1968)) [1960s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. I Put a Spell On You (At Home with Screamin' Jay Hawkins)
2. I Put a Spell on You
3. Portrait of a Man (A Portrait of a Man and His Woman)
4. Monkberry Moon Delight
5. I Put a Spell On You (Cow Fingers And Mosquito Pie)
6. Heart Attack and Vine - Remastered (Are You One of Jay's Kids?)
7. I Put a Spell on You (At Home with Screamin' Jay Hawkins)
8. Little Demon (Cow Fingers And Mosquito Pie)
9. I Am the Cool - Remastered (Are You One of Jay's Kids?)
10. Frenzy (Cow Fingers And Mosquito Pie)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia