Screamin' Jay Hawkins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Screamin' Jay Hawkins
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Hawkins in concert, 1995
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jalacy J. Hawkins |
| Also known as | Jay Hawkins |
| Born | July 18, 1929 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | February 12, 2000 (aged 70) Neuilly-sur-Seine, France |
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| Years active | 1951–2000 |
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Jalacy J. "Screamin' Jay" Hawkins (born July 18, 1929 – died February 12, 2000) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician. He was famous for his strong, dramatic singing style. He also put on wild stage shows, sometimes using spooky props. This made him one of the first artists to create "shock rock". He was even nominated for an award for his acting in the 1989 movie Mystery Train.
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Early Life and Talents
Jay Hawkins was born and grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. When he was very young, he was adopted and raised by Blackfoot Indians. As a child, he learned to play classical piano. In his 20s, he also learned to play the guitar.
Hawkins first dreamed of becoming an opera singer. He looked up to the famous singer Paul Robeson. When his opera plans didn't work out, he started his career as a blues singer and pianist. He was also a very good boxer. He even became the middleweight boxing champion of Alaska in 1949.
He joined the U.S. Army when he was only 13 years old. He served in the Army and later the Army Air Forces until 1952. During his time in the military, he also entertained the troops.
Music Career Highlights
Starting Out in Music
In 1951, Screamin' Jay Hawkins began his music career. He sang and played keyboards for guitarist Tiny Grimes. Later, Hawkins started performing on his own. He often wore cool outfits, like leopard skins and red leather. In 1956, he signed with OKeh Records.
"I Put a Spell on You"
Hawkins' most famous song is "I Put a Spell on You" (1956). This song was chosen as one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. Hawkins first imagined the song as a calm, slow ballad. But it turned into a powerful, raw song. It became his biggest hit, selling over a million copies.
This song became a classic. Many artists have covered it, including Creedence Clearwater Revival, Nina Simone, and Marilyn Manson. Hawkins' original song was even used in an episode of The Simpsons in 2003.
Later Music and Performances
Hawkins released other songs like "Constipation Blues" and "Orange Colored Sky". But none were as successful as "I Put a Spell on You". He once performed "Constipation Blues" with a toilet on stage!
He kept touring and recording music through the 1960s and 1970s. He was very popular in Europe. In 1976, he got some facial injuries from one of his flaming stage props during a show.
Hawkins also appeared in movies. He played himself in the 1978 film American Hot Wax. Later, director Jim Jarmusch used "I Put a Spell on You" in his film Stranger Than Paradise (1983). Jarmusch also cast Hawkins as a hotel night clerk in his movie Mystery Train.
In 1991, Hawkins released the album Black Music for White People. It included his version of "Heart Attack and Vine" by Tom Waits. This song became his only hit in the UK, reaching No. 42 on the UK singles chart in 1993. That same year, Hawkins moved to France. He also toured with famous bands like the Clash and Nick Cave.
His 1957 song "Frenzy" was featured in the TV show The X-Files in 1996.
Personal Life
From 1962 to 1971, Hawkins lived in Hawaii. He had six marriages during his life. He also had three children with his first wife.
Death
Screamin' Jay Hawkins passed away on February 12, 2000, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. He was 70 years old and died after emergency surgery.
His Influence on Music
Even though Screamin' Jay Hawkins didn't have many big hit songs, his amazing stage shows made him a popular live performer for decades. He opened for famous artists like Fats Domino and the Rolling Stones. His unique style influenced many rock artists who came after him, including Alice Cooper, Marilyn Manson, and Rob Zombie. He is even considered a "goth icon" by some.
See also
In Spanish: Screamin' Jay Hawkins para niños
