The Mysterious and Influential Legacy of Screamin' Jay Hawkins

It's difficult to have a conversation about influential voices in music that doesn't mention Screamin' Jay Hawkins. He was the enigmatic master of musical horror and shock, whose iconic stage presence made him unlike any other performer at his time. His outsized onstage performances and pioneering mix of blues, R&B and rock 'n' roll influenced generations of future musicians even beyond rock, including Beefheart and Bowie. Though much has been said regarding Hawkins' legacy as a wild musician associated with macabre classics such as I Put A Spell On You, there's still so much more to unearth from both his personal life and discography – something we're all itching to explore!

When we think of the most influential voices in music, our minds often wander towards the usual suspects: Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Madonna, and Michael Jackson, to name a few. But one name that deserves to be on that list, especially for fans of blues, R&B, and rock 'n' roll, is Screamin' Jay Hawkins. This enigmatic master of musical horror and shock left an undeniable mark on music history with his unique blend of gritty vocals and theatrical stage presence. In this blog post, we'll delve deeper into Hawkins' life and musical career, exploring why he is often considered a trailblazer in the music industry and how his legacy continues to influence generations of musicians.

Hawkins was born Jalacy Hawkins in 1929 in Cleveland, Ohio. As a child, he showed a natural talent for music and loved listening to blues and jazz records by the likes of Cab Calloway and Louis Armstrong. Later on, he joined the army and played in the army band, honing his skills as a performer. After leaving the army, he began performing in nightclubs and theaters, eventually signing a recording contract with OKeh Records in 1952. It wasn't until 1956, however, that he would release his most famous song, I Put A Spell On You. It was a raw, hypnotic track that showcased his distinctive vocal style - a mix of thundering growls and falsetto wails - as well as his knack for the theatrical. The song's success was largely due to the controversy it generated; Hawkins' onstage antics and wild performances often included voodoo props, coffins, and live snakes.

But Hawkins' musical legacy goes beyond I Put A Spell On You. He was a true innovator in the realm of blues and rock 'n' roll, blending different genres and experimenting with unusual sounds. He played the piano, organ, and guitar, and often used unusual instruments like a coffin-shaped organ. Hawkins' music was a precursor to the shock rock genre, which emerged in the '70s with artists like Alice Cooper and Kiss. His influence can also be heard in the music of punk rockers like The Cramps and The Clash, who admired Hawkins' raw energy and do-it-yourself ethos.

Hawkins' personal life was just as colorful and mysterious as his music. He claimed to have fathered over 75 children, though the number has never been confirmed. He was married six times and had numerous affairs with women, including actress Mamie Van Doren. Hawkins was notoriously difficult to interview and would often give contradictory information about his life and career. He passed away in 2000 at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy that continues to fascinate and inspire fans and musicians alike.

Screamin' Jay Hawkins was one of a kind - a wild, explosive performer whose music and personality left an indelible mark on the music industry. His innovative blend of blues, R&B, and rock 'n' roll set the stage for future generations of musicians to experiment with new sounds and push boundaries. While his personal life may have been shrouded in myth and contradiction, his music speaks for itself. Hawkins' legacy serves as a reminder that music can be just as much about the spectacle as it is about the sound - and for that reason, he will always be remembered as one of the most influential voices in music.