Dale Hawkins facts for kids

Delmar Allen "Dale" Hawkins (born August 22, 1936 – died February 13, 2010) was an important American rock and roll musician. He was a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Many people called him the "architect of swamp rock boogie." This means he helped create a special kind of rock music.

Music Career

Dale Hawkins started making music in 1956. In 1957, he was playing in clubs in Shreveport, Louisiana. His music was inspired by new rock and roll stars like Elvis Presley. But Dale also mixed in the strong blues sound from Black artists in Louisiana.

This mix helped him create his famous song, "Susie Q." Another talented guitarist from Louisiana, James Burton, played the memorable guitar part in the song. James Burton later became a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

"Susie Q" was chosen as one of "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll." Dale released an album called Oh! Suzy Q in 1958. Years later, in 1968, the band Creedence Clearwater Revival made their own version of "Susie Q." Their version helped them become famous and is very well-known today.

In 1958, Dale Hawkins recorded another song called "My Babe" at Chess Records in Chicago. This song featured the guitarist Roy Buchanan. Dale continued to record more songs for Chess Records into the early 1960s.

His career was not just about singing. He also hosted a TV show for teenagers called The Dale Hawkins Show in Philadelphia. Later, he became a record producer. This means he helped other musicians make their songs and albums. He helped create hit songs like "Not Too Long Ago" by The Uniques, "Western Union" by the Five Americans, and "Hey! Baby" by Bruce Channel.

In 1998, a collection of his early songs and some new ones was released on an album called Dale Hawkins, Rock 'n' Roll Tornado. He also released a country rock album in 1969 called L.A., Memphis & Tyler, Texas. In 1999, he released Wildcat Tamer, which got a great review in Rolling Stone magazine.

Dale Hawkins also worked as an executive for different record companies. He helped discover and work with artists like Michael Nesmith and Harry Nilsson. In the 1990s, he produced music for Kenny Brown, a slide guitarist.

In October 2007, Dale Hawkins was honored for his contributions to music. He was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Around the same time, he released his last recording, "Back Down to Louisiana." This song was inspired by a visit to his childhood home. A music magazine in the United Kingdom called Mojo named it one of the top Americana songs of 2007. Dale Hawkins' important work has also been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

Personal Life

The musician Ronnie Hawkins was Dale Hawkins' cousin.

In 2005, Dale Hawkins was diagnosed with an illness. He continued to perform in the U.S. and other countries while receiving treatment. He passed away on February 13, 2010, in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Oh! Suzy-Q (1958)
• LA, Memphis & Tyler, Texas (1969)
• Wildcat Tamer (1999)
• Back Down To Louisiana (2007)

Live Album

• Let's All Twist At The Miami Beach Peppermint Lounge (1962)