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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZHAWKINS, Hawkshaw(b Harold F. Hawkins, 22 Dec. '21, Huntingdon WV; d 5 March '63, Camden TN; aka 'the Hawk') Country singer, songwriter; tall man with deep voice, 'Western'-based vocal style; popular for many years, especially in Canada, without big record success. Began on local radio '36; became regular on WWVA Wheeling Jamboree '46--54; signed with King '45 and had hits with 'I Wasted A Nickel' '49, 'Slow Poke' '51. Joined Grand Ole Opry '55, signed with Columbia '59 (hit 'Soldier's Joy'), RCA '60--63, rejoined King and had biggest hit 'Lonesome 7-7203' (no. 1 country chart '63). Married to country star Jean Shepard; died in plane crash with Cowboy Copas and Patsy Cline. |