Screamin' Jay Hawkins

Jalacy Hawkins, best known as Screamin' Jay Hawkins (born in Cleveland, Ohio July 18, 1929 - February 12, 2000) was an African American singer famed for his wildly theatrical performances of songs like "I Put a Spell on You" and "Constipation Blues".

Early career

Hawkins has cited Paul Robeson and Enrico Caruso as early influences, and originally set out to become an opera singer. He was unable to do so, and began his career as a conventional blues singer and pianist.

Related Topics:
Paul Robeson - Enrico Caruso - Opera - Blues - Pianist

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He served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Ocean during World War II, primarily as an entertainer, although he claimed to have been a POW. Hawkins was an avid and formidable boxer: in 1949, he was the middleweight boxing champion of Alaska.

Related Topics:
U.S. Army - Pacific Ocean - World War II - POW - Boxer - Middleweight - Alaska

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In 1951, he joined guitarist Tiny Grimes for a while, and recorded a few songs with him.

Related Topics:
Guitar - Tiny Grimes

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When Hawkins became a solo performer, he often performed in a very stylish wardrobe, featuring leopard skins, red leather and wild hats.

Related Topics:
Leopard - Leather

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