TED HAWKINS

Biography

Ted Hawkins (October 28, 1936 – January 1, 1995) was an American singer-songwriter whose life and music were shaped by hardship and resilience. Born in Biloxi, Mississippi, to a mother who was a prostitute and a father he never knew, Hawkins endured poverty and abuse from an early age. By age 12, he was sent to reform school, where a visit from New Orleans pianist Professor Longhair inspired his first public performance. Despite these early musical sparks, Hawkins spent much of his youth drifting across the country, often in trouble with the law, including a three-year stint at Mississippi's notorious Parchman Farm for stealing a leather jacket as a teenager.[5][1][3]

Hawkins developed his distinctive blend of soul, blues, folk, gospel, and country while busking on the streets and piers of Venice Beach, California. His powerful, raspy voice—shaped by years of singing outdoors—earned him a devoted local following and, eventually, recognition in Europe and Australia, where he found greater appreciation in clubs and small concert halls. His first album, 'Watch Your Step' (1982), was produced by Bruce Bromberg after years of sporadic recording and personal setbacks. Hawkins' major breakthrough came late in life with the release of 'The Next Hundred Years' (1994) on Geffen Records, which brought him international acclaim. Tragically, he died of a stroke just months later, at the cusp of wider stardom.[5][3][4]

Hawkins' musical style was marked by his emotive vocals and open guitar tunings, drawing from the deep well of American roots music. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring appeal of heartfelt, honest songwriting.[2][8]

Fun Facts

• Hawkins spent years performing as a street musician on Venice Beach, often sitting on an overturned milk crate and captivating passersby with his soulful voice.[2][4]
• He claimed his signature raspy vocal tone was the result of years singing in the sand and salt air of the boardwalk.[2][5]
• Despite his eventual acclaim in Europe and Australia, Hawkins remained largely unknown in the U.S. until his final album was released months before his death.[3][5]
• Hawkins' life story—marked by prison, addiction, and redemption—was often reflected in the raw honesty of his lyrics and performances.[3][5]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Professor Longhair - Inspired Hawkins during a visit to his reform school, prompting his first public performance. (Talent show performance at Oakley Training School) [circa 1949]
• Sam Cooke - Major vocal and stylistic influence; Hawkins cited Cooke's voice as transformative. (General inspiration, no direct collaboration) [1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Bruce Bromberg - Producer who recorded and championed Hawkins' early material, including his debut album. (Watch Your Step (1982)) [1971–1982]
• Phillip Walker - Guitarist whose band supported Hawkins on early recordings. (Single 'Sweet Baby' (Joliet label)) [1971]
• Elizabeth Hawkins - Ted's wife, who occasionally provided vocal harmonies on his early recordings. (Early solo acoustic sessions (unreleased/archival material)) [1970s]

Artists Influenced

• James Hunter - British soul singer-songwriter who has cited Hawkins as an influence on his vocal style and songwriting. (General influence; not tied to specific works) [1990s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Sorry You're Sick (Watch Your Step)
2. Long As I Can See The Light (The Next Hundred Years)
3. Bring It Home Daddy (Watch Your Step)
4. Stop Your Crying (Watch Your Step)
5. There Stands The Glass (The Next Hundred Years)
6. Peace & Happiness (Watch Your Step)
7. The Lost Ones (Watch Your Step)
8. Big Things (The Next Hundred Years)
9. Biloxi (The Next Hundred Years)
10. If You Love Me (Watch Your Step)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia