Jennell Hawkins facts for kids

Jennell Ruth Hawkins (born Grimes, April 8, 1938 – October 13, 2006) was an American R&B singer and musician. She was known for her singing and playing the piano and organ. Jennell recorded music in the 1950s and early 1960s. She had a popular song in 1961 called "Moments to Remember."

Jennell's Early Life and Music

Jennell "Jenny" Grimes was born in Los Angeles, California. When she was in Jefferson High School, she loved to sing. She formed a singing group with her friends. They called themselves the Fidelitones.

Starting Her Music Career

In 1954, Jennell met another student named Richard Berry. He was a songwriter. Jennell and Richard recorded one of his songs together. It was called "Each Step" and was released on the Flair label. They were known as Ricky and Jennell.

Jennell also played piano on another song. It was called "My Aching Heart" by a group called the Flippers. Even though she preferred playing instruments, she joined Richard Berry's group, the Dreamers. She sang the main part on their 1957 song, "Since You've Been Gone."

Joining Other Groups

In 1956, Jennell married Lawrence Hawkins. Around that time, she joined another singing group. They were called the Combonettes. This group recorded three songs for the Combo label. One of their songs was "Hi Diddle Diddle."

Solo Success and Later Career

Jennell started recording songs on her own in 1961. Her first solo song was "I Pity You Fool." Then she recorded another song by Richard Berry. It was called "Moments To Remember."

A Hit Song

"Moments To Remember" became very popular in her local area. A bigger record company, Amazon, re-released the song. They shortened its name to "Moments." This song became a national hit. It reached number 16 on the Billboard R&B Chart. It also reached number 50 on the main pop chart.

In 1962, she released another popular song. It was her version of "Money (That's What I Want)." This song reached number 17 on the R&B chart. Jennell also released two albums on the Amazon label. One was called The Many Moods of Jenny. The other was Moments To Remember.

Life After Recording

After a while, Jennell decided to leave the recording business. She wanted to spend more time with her family and focus on her church. She later worked for funeral companies. She would drive a hearse and play the organ at funerals.

In the 1970s, Jennell returned to music. She formed a group of six musicians. They played with Johnny Morisette on his jazz-funk song "I'm Hungry." She also performed sometimes with her group in Los Angeles nightclubs. She often played with saxophonist Big Jay McNeely. In 2002, she reunited with the Dreamers. They performed at a doo wop music event.

Jennell Hawkins passed away in 2006 at the age of 68. She had contributed a lot to local music.