Hawkshaw Hawkins was a popular country music singer in the 1950s and early 1960s known for his smooth vocals and style incorporating country, blues, and honky tonk sounds. This article will provide an overview of Hawkshaw and his biggest hits for those looking to learn more about this “Evergreen Artist.”
Getting to Know Hawkshaw
Hawkshaw, born Harold Franklin Hawkins in 1921 in West Virginia, gained fame on radio shows and country music programs in the late 1940s. His rich voice and tall stature, standing at over 6 feet 5 inches, earned him the nickname “Eleven and one-half yards of personality.”
Hawkshaw could play several instruments like guitar, banjo, mandolin, violin, bass and harmonica. He was also an avid outdoorsman and animal lover.
After serving in WWII, Hawkshaw resumed his music career in 1946. He joined the cast of WWVA’s “World’s Original Jamboree” radio show.
Hawkshaw’s Smooth Sound
Hawkshaw soon gained dedicated fans who loved his smooth vocal style. He started racking up hits for King Records in the late 1940s before moving to labels like RCA Victor and Columbia.
Even as rock n’ roll took off in the mid-1950s, Hawkshaw held onto his core country and honky-tonk musical identity. His cover of pop songs still retained his signature sound.
Over his career, Hawkshaw landed over 20 songs on the country Top 40 charts. Let’s look at some of his biggest hits and fan favorites.
Top Hawkshaw Hawkins Tracks
“Lonesome 7-7203”
Released posthumously in 1962, this tune finally brought Hawkshaw his only #1 single. The song’s popularity continued even after his untimely death.
“I’m Waiting Just for You”
Fans couldn’t get enough of this ballad at Hawkshaw’s live shows. Its yearning lyrics let his smooth vocals shine.
“Dog House Boogie”
This snappy honky tonk song delighted fans in the 1940s and kept audiences coming back for more as Hawkshaw’s fame grew.
“Slow Poke”
Hawkshaw flexed his vocal power on this mid-century hit, showing his talent even as musical tastes changed.
“Pan American”
The tempo flies on this late 1940s fan favorite that got plenty of play on the jukebox circuit.
Hawkshaw left behind many great tracks along with the legacy of his one-of-a-kind sound. His voice lives on in the halls of country music for new generations to discover.