Hillbilly-Music.com - Keeping Country Music History Alive
Hillbilly-Music Folio Display


Hawkshaw Hawkins
Born:  December 22, 1921
Died:  March 5, 1963
West Virgnia Music Hall of Fame (2009)
KWTO Ozark Jubilee
WFIL Hayloft Hoedown
WSM Grand Ole Opry
WWVA Original Jamboree
WCHS Charleston, WV
WCMI Ashland, KY
WLAW Lawrence, MA
WSAZ Huntington, WV
WWVA Wheeling, WV


About The Artist

Originally Posted: April 2001
Updated: In Progress (May 17, 2023)

Picture - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Golden Spurs Fan Club - Circa 1953 Harold Franklin Hawkins was born in December of 1921 in Huntington, West Virginia to parents Alexander and Icie Mae (Graham) Hawkins. His father was a glass worker. Alexander married Icie Mae were married on March 19, 1921 in Huntington. The music world came to know their son as Hawkshaw Hawkins. He grew to be about six feet five inches tall. His nature and height probably had a hand in the fans giving him the nickname of "Eleven and one-half yards of personality".

His musical efforts seem to develop naturally as he grew up. He was part of a family of four. When he was just 13 years old, he got his first guitar, a homemade one, that he got in a trade for five rabbits. Later on, he was working at the printing company where National Hillbilly News magazine was printed (Poster Show Print Co.) in Huntington, WV. Perhaps during a break, he started "...messin' around with an old Strad violin that had been around the place for years." He took it upon himself to buy some strings, resin, a bow. It took him some practice in his spare time, but eventually he could play a recognizable tune called "Cindy."

There was an amateur radio contest in his home town and someone dared Hawkshaw to enter the contest. Rich Kienzle wrote in 1995 that He won the contest sponsored by radio station WSAZ of Huntington, WV, That got him a $15 a week job singing for the station. Another variation of this early contest was in National Hillbilly News May/June 1946. A local theatre was putting on a fiddling contest. The gang at the printing company were teasing Hawkshaw about his fiddling efforts and dared him to enter the contest. After taking a few days of their teasing, Hawkshaw told them, "You guys don't think I have the nerve to enter, do you?" But he did and he won! But it was not because of his fiddle playing, but for his personality on stage. He started getting offers to play with other radio bands. Mr. Kienzle also told readers that Hawkshaw was part of "Hawkshaw and Sherlock" - a guitar-mandolin-vocal-duo; his partner was Clarence Jack.

In a question and answer session as part of a column called "Witness Box" in an old Country Song Roundup, Hawkshaw related that a couple named Radio Dot and Smokey gave him one of his first breaks in the music business when he teamed with them over WSAZ. He also said Jake Taylor had helped out, too but no other details were provided.

A couple years later and he was working as the emcee of a show that aired over COMMIE in Ashland, Kentucky.

Hawkshaw and Sherlock then worked at WL AW in Lawrence, MA for a time. World War II was underway and the two of them found work in the shipyards doing defense jobs.

Hawkshaw Hawkins - Military Uniform Like many artists in that era, Hawkshaw's musical career was interrupted by World War II. He entered the Army Engineering Corps in November of 1943. He was first sent to Germany as an engineer. While there, he 'liberated' a blonde double neck guitar in a bombed out Aachen that became his pride and joy. He was stated to have served in the Army about two and a half years as a Sergeant. He served in the European Theatre of Operations (ETO) and in the Pacific. He was also a part of the 197th Engineering Maintenance Company.

During that time, he saw nearly 15 months of combat duty and was a participant in the "Battle of the Bulge", which took place in late 1944 and lasted through 1945. He earned four battle stars. After the war ended in Germany, he was assigned to the Philippines.

According to Mr. Kienzle, while Hawkshaw was stationed in Manila, he landed a show with radio station WTVM. (This is probably an error. It was possibly KZRM which was the first station in Manila to go back on the air after the war and was being used by the U.S. Army. (Per an article on prezi.com) It was written he still had a transcription of his last program he did in the Philippines.

From there, he was sent to Manila in the Philippines. But the salty and humid air in the Philippines caused his guitar to come apart. It was while he was stationed in the Philippines that Hawkshaw enjoyed one of the highlights of his career that was often mentioned in the write-ups in the magazines of that era. He was part of an all-GI show in Manila that aired over radio station WTUM or WUTM (we've seen various radio station names for this stint in the Philippines, the fan club newsletter we have mentions it was WUTM.).

Hawkshaw Hawkins - National Hillbilly News - June 1946 In January of 1946, Hawkshaw was discharged from the military service. It appears that upon going home to resume his music career, he went first to the steel regions of Pennsylvania and hooked up with radio station WKST in New Castle. While he was there, an artists bureau member heard Hawkshaw's singing and sent a recommendation to WWVA in Wheeling, West Virginia, the home of the World's Original Jamboree. He made a guest appearance on that show on July 29, 1946 and in August, he joined the cast of the show. It didn't take long for the fans to discover his popularity. They ran a popularity contest after he had been there only six weeks and he came in second place (one article we read mentioned he came in second to Big Slim)! Later, he won a popularity contest. A fan club newsletter mentions the crowds "...would scream encores as he performed on the Jamboree stage."

But that wasn't all that happened as a result of his return to performing after his military service. An unnamed fellow came around to see Hawkshaw and asked if he was interested in recording some records? Hawkshaw was somewhat taken aback and at the time, felt he wasn't good enough (sounds like a modest person?) and didn't take the offer seriously. But as word got to his friends, his mind changed and they urged him to take up the guy on the offer.

A bit bashful, he signed on a five-year deal on the dotted line with King Record Company in Cincinnati. Folks were thinking it wouldn't be long before his recordings would be topping the charts.

Hawkshaw's reaction as quoted in a 1946 article: "Well, I guess all entertainers get a break, sooner or later, and I guess this is my chance. I'm certainly going to take it." His first records were due to hit the market around July 1946.

But Mr. Kienzle notes that Syd Nathan of King Records may have made a mistake thinking that Hawkshaw could become their label's "Ernest Tubb" and indeed, recorded several of his songs. But while the records were good, they did not catch on. Mr. Kienzle also notes it may have prevented Hawkshaw from "...establishing a sound and style of his own."

WWVA Jamboree — 1946

WWVA Jamboree Cast Photo - Wheeling, WV - July 1945
Back Row (L—R:) Shorty Fincher; Bob Thomas; Smilie Sutter; Sandy Edwards; Joe Barker; Hawkshaw Hawkins; Jimmie Hutchinson; Dick Lanning; Curly Collins; Bud Kissenger (Kissinger); Jack Gillette
Middle Row (L—R:) Rawhide; Boy Huey; Clyde Fogel; Little Sampson; Red Belcher; Reed Dunn; Pete Cassell; Sonny Davis; Roy Parks; Bill Bailey; Benny Kissnger (Kissinger); Dude Webb
Front Row (L—R:) Wyn Sheldon; Sally FIncher; Millie Wayne; Bonnie Baldwin; Shirley Barker; Honey Davis; Eileen Newcomer; Maxine Newcomer; Lew Clawson

We get an idea of the audience reaction to Hawkshaw's appearances on the WWVA Original Jamboree show from some quotes attributed to Curly Miller, in a Hillbilly News article of 1947. Curly was the emcee of the show back then and they wrote that towards the end of the show, Curly would step up to the microphone and introduce the man the fans called "Eleven yards of personality and song." But it seems that before Curly could even get to say his name, his voice was drowned out by "..the screaming and thunderous applause of the frenzied audience".

Curly had worked as master of ceremonies at several of the top shows of the time, the WIBC Jamboree in Indiana, the WLS National Barn Dance, the Hayloft Frolic, the Noon Day Merry-Go-Round and others before coming to the WWVA show. Curly said,

"But I have never seen or heard any other entertainer given such a tremendous applause and welcome ovation."

Cover - National Hillbilly News - July / August 1947
Cover - Country Song Roundup - No. 16 - February 1952

WWVA Jamboree - Undated - Hawkshaw Hawkins on stage The article goes on to try and explain this popularity, attributing it to "His top recordings, his pleasing voice, his vibrant personality, his all-around good humor". They also said he was just Hawkshaw Hawkins, "…no airs, no strut, no sham."

Hawkshaw worked for some time with the Big Slim show as they teamed up on personal appearances before Big Slim left the station.

In July of 1948, Hawkshaw left WWVA (his replacement they said was Tennessee Morgan) and in August joined WFIL in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where it was reported he would also do television spots in addition to working on the radio. While at WFIL, he appeared on the Saturday night show, the Hayloft Hoedown which was televised and broadcast over the ABC network. But perhaps his West Virginia roots were too strong, for in November 1948, he returned to WWVA.

The fan club newsletter reported that they staged a special welcome Jamboree for his return. They said thousands came to the theatre, lining up early in the day to make sure they got the best seats. They wrote, "No star had a greater ovation than hawk as he stepped before the footlights of the famous Jamboree stage that night."

Hawkshaw Hawkins - WWVA - 1946
Hawkshaw Hawkins - WWVA - 1947

Promo Ad - Gene Johnson Theatrical Agency - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Grandpa Jones - Stoney and Wilma Lee Cooper - Jimmy Walker - Curly Miller's Horse Troupe - Billboard - April 1948
Promo Ad - South Zanesville High School - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Prairie Pioneers - April 1949

Hawkshaw Hawkins and the West Virgnia Nighthawks - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Gene Nelson - Jiggs Lemley
Herman (Jiggs) Lemley - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Wooster, MA

Hawkshaw Hawkins Song Folio - Circa 1950
RCA Records Promotional Booklet - Hawkshaw Hawkins

Promo Ad - Crabapple Grove - Normalville, PA - Hawkshaw Hawkins and his Country Cousins - August 1946
Promo Ad - Hermitage Music Co. - Rent a Phonograph - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Eddie Arnold - Tex Ritter- September 1946

Promo Ad - Valley View Park - York, PA - Big Slim - Joe Barker - Reed Dunn - Millie and Bonnie - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Oney and Sonny - Pete Cassel - Smiley Sutter - Toby Stroud - Crazy Elmer - September 1946
Promo Ad - Deemer's Beach - New Castle, DE - Pete Cassel - Joe Barker - Big Slim - Reed Dunn - Millie Wayne and Bonnie Baldwin - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Honey and Sonny Davis - Ed Moose - Smiley SUtter - Toby Stroud - Crazy Elmoer - September 1946

Hawkshaw Hawkins In one interesting mention we found, it notes that Hawkshaw was going to take a show on tour in the Northwest for 60 days "…at a guaranteed $100,000 dollars."

He began to appear on WWVA in fall of 1946. He had been in the army where he had a 15-minute program every day for the Armed Forces network.

Billboard reported that Hawkshaw had signed a five-year contract with the King record label of Cincinnati, OH in July 1946. His first recording with King was released on July 26, 1946. At the time he was on the Hayloft Frolics show that aired over WKST in New Castle, PA. Other stars on the show included Curly and Hallie Miller; Jimmie Hutchinson; Marion Martin; Froggie Cortez; Pete Cortex; Margie Krepp; Jackie Krepp; Jane and Jill; Pete Chefo; Sunflower; Slim Applejack; Smokey and Art Haggerty. He severed his ties with the station at the same time he signed with King.

Billboard reported that on October 12 1946 one of the most popular teams on WWVA were broken up. Big Slim had to leave for the East. But before doing so, he was awarded first prize in the station's popularity contest that was held in September. Hawkshaw Hawkins, who was Big Slim's partner, finished second. Toby Stroud and his Blue Mountain Boys finished third. Big Slim was due to operate the Circle K Ranch near Norristown, PA and was to broadcast over WDAS in Philadelphia as well. Slim had released two Canadian movies, "The Last Of The Mustangs" and "The Calgary Stampede."

In a bit of promotional flair, WWVA reported to Billboard that Hawkshaw would be known as the West Virginia Playboy on the station. He was on daily 12:00 pm to 1:00pm The General Store show at the time along with Big Slim.

Billboard reported in July of 1948 that "Tennessee Morgan" aka George Morgan had signed on with WWVA and was replacing Hawkshaw Hawkins. In August of 1948, Hawkshaw had hooked up with WFIL in Philadelphia. He was to also do television/video work in addition to radio broadcasts.

By the end of 1948, Billboard reported that Hawkshaw had left WFIL and was once again working with Big Slim and his group at WWVA.

Hawkshaw Hawkins
Jiggs Lemley - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Hillbilly Park - 1948

Promo Ad - Jolly Joyce - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Sleepy Hollow Gang - Jesse Rogers - Hayloft Hoedown - November 1948

Promo Ad - Sleepy Hollow Ranch - Quakertown, PA - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Sleepy Hollow Ranch Gang - May 1952
Promo Ad - Playland Park - Nuangola, PA - Sunset Carson - Hawkshaw Hawkins - September 1952

Promo Ad - Canton, OH - Hank Williams - Homer and Jethro - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Autry Inman - December 29, 1952
Promo Ad - Easton Armory - Easton, MD - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Melvin Price and Santa Fe Rangers - March 1951

Around September of 1950, Hawkshaw had formed a new band. In one article, it notes that Hawkshaw's band was called the "West Virginia Night Hawks."

The band at that time included Billy Grammer who would later also become noted musician himself and later a member of the Opry in his own right. Billy Grammer played the "boogie guitar" in Hawkshaw's band back then. Sammy Barnhart played bass.

The band also include a couple of guys known as Mel and Stan were known as the "Kentucky Twins" and another unidentified person played "Fireball", who was the comedian of the troupe.

In a WWVA Family Album of 1950, it lists the members of his band as Red Watkins, guitar, Glenn Ferguson, fiddle, Herman "Jiggs" Lemley and Buddy Nelson, bass fiddle.

This stint at WWVA lasted until February 2, 1952 when he left to go on an extended tour of Canada and states such as Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Indiana, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan and Ohio.

After that extended tour, he returned to WWVA on September 18, 1952 to appear twice a night on the Original Jamboree as well as a studio show at 1:45am.

Hawkshaw Hawkins Fan Club Section The newsletter also included a section that spoke to some of the artists on WWVA at the same time as Hawkshaw. One was Mervin Shiner:

"Mervin Shiner is the newest addition to the friendly voice. Merv's latest Coral waxings "Hearbreaking Waltz" backed with River of Silver. He is proving quite popular with the WWVA fans."
and Dusty Owens:
"Dusty Owens is pretty happy these days with his shiny new Columbia records contract. His first release on that label will be his own tune "It That's The Life You Want To Live" backed with "Hello Operator." Dusty is a grand singer and we know he'll go a long way in his career. (How could a guy miss with that wonderful voice?)"
or Buzz and Jack, The Bayou Boys:
"Buzz and Jack, the Bayou Boys have left us since last journal and we miss them. Too, it seems Cowboy Phil and Eva Burke have gone as we never hear them anymore.
(Webmaster note: Buzz and Jack were Buzz Busby and Jack Clement)"

He stayed this time until June of 1954. He went west to Missouri to work with the cast that was being put together by the Ozark Jubilee airing over KWTO in Springfield, Missouri that was led by Red Foley.

Hawkshaw's popularity continued while there and in fact was one of the original cast members that were also a part of the first television broadcasts of the show.

The Golden Spurs Fan Club newsletter from around the fall of 1953, mentions Hawk's affinity for animals. Hawk mentioned in a note to his fans that he had just bought two more coon dogs.

He wrote, "...when I'm not working I'm in the woods with my two dogs. The dogs names are Sounder and Lizzie. Sounder is the best of the two and Lizzie is a "good'n".

First, there was his pet, Cricket. The fan club president, Monna Massey wrote: "Hawk's little pomeranian dog, Cricket, is growing like a bad weed! Just as onery as ever if not more so. And should hear the little "dickens" bark for her food! Just say, "Cricket, are you hungry?" and she yaps like mad! Sure is a sweet little dog!"

The fan Club newsletter we have included a section called "Lines From The Poet's Pen." Monna wrote one called "It's Hawk."

"His eyes are part of Heaven's blue,
His smile, a twinkle from a star,
His laughter is like the sound of a silver string
Plucked on a fairy's golden guitar.

His voice is part of the golden sunshine,
And his heart is big as the sky above,
Of course, you all know who we mean —
It's Hawk ... our star, whom we all love."

Hawkshaw Hawkins - 11 Yards of Personality - Photo Album
Hawkshaw Hawkins - Cricket

In July of 1954, Hawkshaw had started a daily radio show over KWTO. And later that same month, on July 17, the first performance of the Ozark Jubilee took place at the Jewell Theater in Springfield. Other members of that inaugural cast included Tommy Sosebee, Slim Wilson and Porter Wagoner. Later on, the show loaned him to Nashville's Grand Ole Opry and before you know it, the Opry made him a member.

It seems that while on the Ozark Jubilee, a couple of Opry stars, Hank Snow and Ernest Tubb had heard him and talked to Jack Stapp who was the director of WSM and the Grand Ole Opry then. Let's see how Hawkshaw described his invitation to join the Opry in a magazine article (he joined the Opry in June of 1955):

"I was sitting in my house when the phone rang. I answered it and a voice said, 'This is Hank.' Hank Snow, you mean, I said. 'Yes', you have a job at WSM anytime you want it.' Well, I just couldn't believe it but I called Mr. Stapp and he told me to report in two weeks for the Opry." Later, Hawkshaw noted, " It's taken me 17 years to get to the Grand Ole Opry and I hope it takes 17 years more for them to get rid of me."

His fame continued to spread. He was being heard on a radio network show called "Saturday Night Country Style" that was broadcast each week from the famous live jamboree / Opry type shows back then from places such as Richmond, Louisville, Wheeling, Knoxville, Shreveport, Dallas and Nashville.

Hawkshaw himself was a bit of a talented musician, playing several instruments, though most fans associate him playing the guitar. He could also play the five-string banjo, mandolin, violin, bass and harmonica, too.

During its heyday, Hawkshaw's Fan Club, "Golden Spurs" was one of the biggest in the industry.

Hawkshaw enjoyed other aspects of life besides music and was fond of outdoor sports, such as fishing, baseball, swimming, coon-hunting and horseback riding. They said he later started 'collecting' tropical fish if that's the way to describe it and also had a Pomeranian dog named Cricket.

In fact, he was quite the horseman and had several horses. He learned to use a bullwhip when he met Kit Carson while at a radio station in Lawrence, Massachusetts and continued to use it in his shows. His abilities with the horses should help us understand the natural teaming of Big Slim who was also a horseman while they were at WWVA. In a side note, Hank Snow was also a part of Big Slim's show for a short time. Hawkshaw at one time had two trained horse, one named "Chief" who was said to be able to do 25 tricks. Another horse was "Tomahawk" - a combination of the names Hawkshaw and Tom, for Tom Kelly, his manager.

On January 1, 1953, Hawkshaw Hawkins was part of the entertainment for a concert in Canton, OH. This was a concert that Hank Williams was also to appear, but he died in the early morning at an Oak Hill, WV hospital. The promoter, A. V. Bamford, called Hank's mother who request the show go on without Hank. Cliff Rogers a DJ wwith WHKK opened both shows with the death announcement; the ensemble of entertainers sang "I Saw The Light," a tune Hank had written in 1948. Other entertainers besides Hawkshaw were Homer and Jethro; Autry Inman; Red Taylor; the Webb Sisters; and Jack and Daniel. A total of 4,444 people attended the shows. With Hank's death, his manager, Clyde Perdue, was taking over management of Hawkshaw Hawkins who was going back to WWVA. Perdue was moving his headquarters from Greenville, TL to Wheeling, WV.

On May 1, 1953, he signed with the RCA Victor label. Then he moved to Columbia before returning to the King label. Perhaps his most requested song at one time was Filipino Baby, for they wrote, "…what Hawkshaw can't do with that song, no one can."

He also wrote many tunes during his career, such as:

  • A Heartache To Recall
  • Dog House Boogie
  • I'm A Lone Wolf
  • I'm Waiting Just For You
  • I've Got The Blues
  • I've Loved You More Than I Know
  • I Wasted A Nickel
  • Shot Gun Boogie
  • The Time Will Come
  • The Way I Love You (the first song he recorded)

Hawkshaw Hawkins was quite fond of horses and had one that was part of his show when he worked with Big Slim. He kept the horse(s) as part of his act for several years. Around 1953, he won a horse race at Wheeling (WV) Downs that earned a $12,000 purse for charity.

Hawkshaw Hawkins - horse - On The Trail 1958
Hawkshaw Hawkins - horse - On The Trail 1958
Hawkshaw Hawkins - horse - On The Trail 1958
Hawkshaw Hawkins On Stage - WWVA Original Jamboree - 1953
Hawkshaw Hawkins - horse - On The Trail 1958
Hawkshaw Hawkins - horse - On The Trail 1958
Hawkshaw Hawkins - horse - On The Trail 1958

Sketch - Cowboy Songs - March 1952 - Issue No. 19 - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Bio Sketch

Promo Ad - Hammond Civic Center - Hammond, IN - March 1956 - Ernest Tubb - Jean Shepard - Hawkshaw Hawkins - The Carlisles - Jack Bradshaw - Uncle Len Ellis
Promo Ad - O. S. Arena - Owen Sound, ON Canada - Jean Shepard - Hawkshaw Hawkins - June 1957

Promo Ad - Hawkshaw Hawkins - King Records - ABC Network - Western Revue - May / June 1949
Promo Ad - Jim Denny Artists Bureau - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Jean Shepard - Nov 1957

Promo Ad - RCA Victor - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Johnnie and Jack - Ruby Wells - Stuart Hamblen - Billboard - January 1956
Promo Ad - King Records - Billboard - Hawkshaw Hawkins - May 1948

Promo Ad - Wellsville Ohio High School Auditorium - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Shorty Fincher's Prairie Pals - Jan 1947

Cover - Hawk's Nest Fan Club Newsletter
Cover - Golden Spurs Fan Club

Promo Ad - School Day Peanut Butter - The Mosque - Richmond, VA - Marty Robbins - Billy Grammer - George Jones - Stonewall Jackson - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Jean Shepard - March 1959
Promo Ad - Crawford County Fair - Galion, OH - Hawkshaw Hawkins - July 1957

Promo Ad - School Day Peanut Butter - Municipal Auditorium - Norfolk, VA - Marty Robbins - Billy Grammer - George Jones - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Skeeter Davis - Glaser Brothers - April 1959
Promo Ad - Hillbilly Park - Newark, OH - Jean Shepard - Hawkshaw Hawkins - June 1959

Promo Ad - Billboard - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Soldier's Joy - July 6, 1959

Columbia ran a full page ad to promote Hawkshaw's recording of "Soldier's Joy." It must have paid off. On August 3, 1959, it entered the Hot 100 Chart at number 93. It climbed to number 87 the following week. Listening to the tune, this author finds the up tempo beat and the instrumentation reminds one of Johnny Horton's song that was also on the charts. It was not uncommon to see a country singer break the Hot 100. That same week of August 3, Johnny Horton's "Battle of New Orleans" was No. 4; Stonewall Jackson's "Waterloo" was No. 7, the Browns' "Three Bells" was at No. 32; Carl Smith's "Ten Thousand Drums" was at No. 43; Eddy Arnold's "Tennessee Stud" was No. 67; Johnny Cash's "Katy Too" was No. 69; a young Conway Twitty's recording of "Mona Lisa" was No. 71; Mitchell Torok's "Caribbean" was No. 73; Marvin Rainwater's tune "Half-Breed" was No. 85; Johnny Cash was also No. 95 with "I Got Stripes" and, George Jones held down the No. 98 spot with "Who Shot Sam."

On the personal side, Hawkshaw married Reva Barbour from Huntington, WV in 1940. While the exact date is not known, if the year is correct, the couple married at a very young age. She was 15; he was 18. They adopted a daughter, Marlene, who is now a Country Gospel singer/songwriter, author and speaker. At some point after 1950, they were divorced.

Promo Ad - Nittany Mt. Jamboree - Necla Park Roller Skating Rink - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Sons of the Plains - Jack Yeager - Smokey's Mountain Boys - Oct 1947
Promo Ad - Paramount - Connellsville, PA - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Shorty Fincher - Prairie Pals - Lonesome Valley Sally - Rawhide - Dec 1946

Promo Ad - Bar M Ranch - Grand Opening - Max Raney's Melody Rangers - Hawkshaw Hawkins - May 1949
Promo Ad - Blue Ridge Park - Pottsville, PA - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Hank Lawson and his Original Bums - Prf. Schnitzel - July 1949

Promo Ad - Kennywood Park - Hawkshaw Hawkins - August 1949
Promo Ad - Musselman's Grove - Clayburg, PA - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Doc Williams and the Border Riders - May 1947

Promo Ad - Londonderry Township School - Cumberland, MD - Hawkshaw Hawkins and his West Virginia Night Hawks
Promo Ad - Evergreen Park - Grand Opening - Hazleton, PA - Montana Slim - Hawkshaw Hawkins and his Musical Hawks - June 1949

Hawkshaw Hawkins Marries Jean Shepard

Cover - Country Song Roundup Issue No. 72 - May 1961 - Jean Shepard - Hawkshaw Hawkins

Promo Ad - Wichita Forum - Hillbilly Wedding - tex Ritter - LaGarde Twins - Carl Perkins - Moon Mulligan - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Jean Shepard - Plainsman Quartet - Gary Van - Hank Morton - November 26, 1960 Hawkshaw married again, this time to Jean Shepard, country music singer who was also a part of the Grand Ole Opry.

The marriage of Hawkshaw Hawkins and Jean Shepard was quite a thing back on November 26, 1960. Country Song Roundup featured it on their cover and wrote up the details and provided some photos. They were appearing as part of a Grand Ole Opry show at the Forum Auditorium in Wichita, Kansas.

A picture of the married duo included a caption that told readers Hawk had met Jean in 1954 when he joined Red Foley's show (probably the Ozark Jubilee) in 1954 and "...we have been making the shows together since then."

And it was quite a show to say the least - sharing the stage that day were Tex Ritter, Hank Morton, Carl Perkins, The Plainsmen Quartet, The LeGarde Twins from Australia, Moon Mullican, Gary Van and his Western Starlighters. The article reports that a crowd of 4,000 folks attended this gala event. Admission prices was $2.00 for adults; $1.50 general admission; $1.00 balcony and $.50 for an unreserved child.

Their wedding took place after the show. When the curtain closed after the last song and after a brief interlude, organ music filled the auditorium.

Easman Napier with the Plainsmen Quartet sang a couple of tunes, "True Love" and "Her Hand In Mine" to set the mood for the ceremony.

Jean Shepard - Hawkshaw Hawkins Then Jean appeared dressed in her bridal gown. The procession took them through the audience to the stage, with an arbor of Chrysanthemums. The owner of the local radio station KSIR, Nick Sanders, was the emcee of the ceremony, letting the audience know what was occurring.

After the ceremony, Jean told the audience that those wanting a souvenir, could come to the stage and take a piece of the floral decorations.

Needless to say, fans took her up on this offer. The audience even got to sample the wedding cake, though there wasn't enough for everyone, but the article said nearly a 1,000 people got to taste it. After the wedding, the couple would make their home in Nashville.

We are fortunate enough to have come across an old fan club newsletter or two in our collection. One, The Hawk's Nest, contained a first person account of the marriage of Hawkshaw and Jean. Below is Ann Kaehn's account.

Marriage 1960 - Fan Club Narrative Part 1 - The Hawk's Nest - Ann Kaehn

Marriage 1960 - Fan Club Narrative Part 2 - The Hawk's Nest - Ann Kaehn

While Hawkshaw never ran for political office, he was part of a group of entertainers that drew the "...greatest crows in the history of Tennessee politics from June 23 through August 1 to hear Gov. Clement speak and hear his "sidemen" pick and sing. The "sidemen" included: Eddie Hill; Eddy Arnold; Carl Smith; Porter Wagoner; ray Price; Carl Perkins, Jimmy Newman; Webb Pierce; Hawkshaw Hawkins and Jean Shepard; Bill Anderson; the Louvin Brothers; the Slater Sisters; Ferlin Husky; Smiley and Kitty Wilson; George Morgan; Red Sovine; Grandpa Jones; Hank Snow; Johnny and Jack and Kitty Wells; Bill Phillips; Ernest Tubb; the Wilburn Brothers; Cowboy Copas; Stonewall Jackson; Roy Druskyy; Faron Young and Roy Acuff. Jim Denny's Artist Bureau arranged for the talent, along with Acuff-Rose Artists Bureau, Hubert Long, Hal Smith and the Wil-Helm Agency.

We have an issue of "The Hawk's Nest" - said to be the official Hawkshaw Hawkins fan club. The president was . This issue appears to be just after his marriage to Jean. Hawkshaw told his fans:

"I suppose you know I got married last Nov. 26th in Wichita, Kansas, I married Jean Shepard and I'm very happy and I'll after you meet her, you will like her as much as I do. We have a seven room house, three acres of ground, eleven dogs, ten bird dogs and Cricket, Jean's Pomeranian, the two horses, and a Canary bird that sings louder than Jean and I put together. Oh yes, 30 white chickens just to keep me busy when I have a few minutes that I could lay down.

Well, I'll race my little car again this year when Marty has his new race track ready to go and my car is just about ready, new motor, paint and a brand new helmet that the most wonderful fan club in the world got me for Christmas. (Thank you for not wanting me to get my head broke!) Fan's thanks very much for my hat box and everything it was wonderful. I wish Christmas came every month. (ha ha) I'm only kidding."

On December 13, 1961, Hawkshaw and Jean welcome a son, Don Robin Hawkins. He was named for Don Gibson and Marty Robbins.

During a tour with the King label, he recorded a tune that Justin Tubb (son of Ernest Tubb) wrote called "Lonesome 7-7203" in 1962.

Hawkshaw did not live to see it reach number one on the charts. It was his only recording that reached the top of the charts. It was "...bubbling under the Hot 100..." chart for several weeks as well, peaking at No. 108 on the May 11, 1963 chart. In Billboard's 16th Annual Country Music Disc Jockey Poll, the tune was voted No. 4 in the Favorite Country Single Category. The top three tunes were Still (Bill Anderson); Act Naturally (Buck Owens); and Don't Let Me Cross Over (Carl Butler).

Tragedy Strikes Country Music on March 5, 1963

Promo Ad - Benefit Show For Cactus Jack Call - Kansas City Kansas Memorial Auditorium - Roy Acuff - George Jones - Ralph Emery - Billy Walker - Cowboy Copas - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper - Dottie West - Georgie Riddle and the Jones Boys - George McCormick and Clinch Mountain Clan - Patsy Cline - March 1, 1963
Portrait - Cactus Jack Call

Billboard Chart - Hot Country Singles - June 22, 1963 - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Lonesome 7-7203 - Number One On Sunday March 3, 1963, there was to be a benefit concert for popular disc jockey Cactus Jack Call at the Kansas City Kansas Memorial Building. Cactus Jack had died in an automobile crash in early 1963. He had worked at KCKN in Kansas City as well as KANS. He had just started work at KCMK-FM a week prior to the accident. He died on Friday, January 25, 1963 at the age of 35 from brain complications after he had been unconscious for more than 36 hours from injuries suffered when his car collided with a truck on the day prior. He was a native of Trenton, MO. The accident occurred at Sterling Avenue and U.S. 40 in Independence.

An article promoting the concert noted that was paying tribute Cactus Jack "...did much to popularize their type of music." When word spread of his fatal accident, they put together a benefit concert for Jack's wife, Anna Belle Call and their two sons, Donald Wesley and Danny Albert. The performers were waiving their normal concert fees and only being reimbursed for expenses. Roy Acuff was coming out of retirement to perform on the show.

The show included many stars of the Grand Ole Opry: Roy Acuff; George Jones; Ralph Emery; Billy Walker; Cowboy Copas; Hawshaw Hawkins; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Dottie West; Georgie Riddle and the Jones Boys; George McCormick and the Clinch Mountain Clan; and, Patsy Cline. There was three shows, 2:00pm, 5:15pm and 8:15pm.

March 6, 1963 - Headline - The Tennessean - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Randy Hughes - Patsy Cline - Cowboy Copas

On March 5, 1963, a plane piloted by Randy Hughes was carrying Hawkshaw Hawkins, Patsy Cline and Cowboy Copas left Kansas City, KS for Nasvhille via Dyersburg. The weather was stormy that evening. The plane stopped in Dyersburg, TN and left there around 6:07 pm. But the plane was more than several hours overdue in Nashville and the control tower at Nashville's Berry Field reported that a communications search failed to locate it. A search was undertaken. The plane ha crashed about four miles west of Camden, TN, about 80 miles east of Dyersburg. Randy Hughes was the son-in-law of Cowboy Copas.

A search in the morning of March 6 found the wreck of the $25,000 Piper Commanche plane. No survivors were found at the scene which was in the woods, about five miles west of the Tennessee River in Benton, County.

The entertainers had participated in a benefit performance for the late "Cactus Jack" Call, a Kansas City disc jockey who was illed in a car crash.

News reports indicated that John Latham, the manager at radio station WFWO in Camden, TN was one of the first on the scene. It was stated the plane "came straight down and clipped one tree top before it hit the ground. It came down at a real sharp angle." The crash was found in a heavily wooded area, about 440 yeards off a gravel road.

A big hole in the ground was seen where the plane crashed; there was apparently no sign of fire.

The plane had stopped in Dyersburg Airport for fuel the night before. The airport manager, Bill Braese, said the plane took off for Nashville at 6:07pm; he said he warned them not to travel due to the adverse weather.

Weather reports that night showed there was turbulent weather in the Camden area at the time of the crash; visibility was said to be "extremely poor." The storm was part of a squall line that moved across parts of Tennessee and Alabama, bringing heavy rain as well.

Newspaper photos from the crash scene show a guitar strap with Hawkshaw Hawkins' name on it and a single cowboy boot.

Billy Walker also planned to be on the plane, but had to take a commercial flight back to Nashville as the plane flown by Hughes could only hold four people. Jean Shepard told reporters that her husband, Hawkshaw, had called her from Kansas City to let her know he was flying back with Hughes. She said he also called her from Dyersburg. Mrs. Hughes said her husband had called her from the Dyersburg Airport to let know "I'll be home soon."

The plane was not immediately found. It was a few thousand yards from U.S. Hwy 70. Pieces of the aircraft were found in an area about 30 square yards in a heavily wooded area. It was reported that very few trees were damaged; an indication the plane "had plunged almost directly downward."

The search had started the night the plane crashed. The Tennessee Highway Patrol and the CAA initally focused their search efforts in the Camden area. Four persons had told Sheriff Loye Furr they saw a plane circling, then heard a crash. The search lasted all night. The overnight search did not find the plane, but it turns out some of the search efforts were within 30 yards of the air craft. When dawn came, the Civil Air Patrol was ready to do an aerial search, but before the plane took off, Bill McClain, a Civil Defense worker had spotted it from a fire tower.

After the crash, radio station WSM changed its programming. Commercials were cancelled. Requests were also rejected. The station began playing nothing but hymns and songs recorded by Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins and Cowboy Copas. When the news of Jack Anglin's death came, the station added his music to the mix.

Anglin's car had plunged off a 12 to 15 foot embankment about 100 feet west of Old Due West Avenue and crashed into a tree. The county medical examiner, Dr. W. J. Core, ruled his death was caused by a fractured skull. Reports indicated that the car traveled about 30 feet off the embankment before hitting the tree. He was apparently "breathing a little bit." when officers arrived on the scene.

Reports indicated that Jack planned to attend the prayer services for Patsy Cline at the time of his accident. He was married to Louise Wright, sister of Johnnie Wright. In addition to his widow, he was survived by a son Terry Anglin of Madison. He was to be on Saturday at 3:00pm. Active pallbearers were to be Pete (Oswald) Kirby; Howdy Forrester; Shot Jackson; Johnny Sibert; Joe Zinkan and Jimmy Newman. Honorary pallbearers were to be Ott Devine; Ken Marvin; Ike Inman; Paul Wandell; Bill Phillips; Carl Smith; Jim Reeves; Roy Acuff andmembers of the Grand Ole Opry. He was to be buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Red O'Donnell wrote in The Nashville Tennesseean, quoting an unnamed veteran of the Opry:

"It is a wonder more of us aren't killed. We rack up so much mileage in the air and on the road. It was inevitable that the law of averages would catch up with some of us. It is unfortunate."

Funerals for three of the Grand Ole Opry performers were held on Saturday, March 9, 1963. News reports stated that an estimated 2,500 persons attended the funeral services at the Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home for Cowboy Copas and his son-in-law, Randy Hughes. At Forest Lawn Memorial Garden, about 300 floral tributes decked the caskets and were arranged around the gravesides.

The Cowboy Copas grave had a five foot flower guitar surrounded by many other floral arrangements. Another guitar was at the head of the grave for Randy Hughes.

Friday afternoon, another estimated 2,500 persons attended the servics at the funeral home for Hawkshaw Hawkins. There was a lyre, horse and horseshoe adorned his grave.

There were arrangements of gladioli, asters and chrysanthemums bordering the three graves. Floral tributes came from around the world—from fans, friends and fellow artists. The tributes ranged from giant, elaborate arrangements to simple wreaths and bouquets.

News reports stated that funeral home attendants estimated nearly 450 cars in the funeral procession for Cowboy Copas and Randy Hughes.

Funeral services for Patsy Cline were held on Thursday. She was to be buried in her home town of Winchester, VA on Sunday.

Honorary pallbearers for Patsy Cline were Arthur Godfrey, Jimmy Dean, Roy Acuff, Ernest Tubb, members of the Grand Ole Opry staff, members of the Decca Records staff, Ott Devine and the staff of WSM, the radio station of the Grand Ole Opry. She was to be buried in Shenandoah Memorial Park. Her husband Charlie Dick died in 2015 and their graves are next to each other.

A fourth member of the Opry, Jack Anglin (one half of the Johnnie and Jack duo), died in an automobile accident while driving to the services for Patsy Cline. His funeral was held on Saturday, March 9, 1963 at the Madison Funeral Home. He was also buried at the Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Goodlettsville.

Jean Shepard had announced that week she was expecting their second child. Harold (Hawkshaw) Hawkins Jr. was born on April 8, 1963.

On Saturday, March 9, 1963, the Grand Ole Opry went on the air as it always does. The fans stood for a moment of silent tribute to the fallen performers followed by a hymn. Then, as one might say, the show went on.

The memorial pages found on the Find-A-Grave website:

The stars were eulogized in editorials. One in Memphis, TN wrote "Fate Picks And Sings A Sorrowful Tune:"

"...The Grand Ole Opry has been a national institution broadcast from station WSM in Nashville for 37 years. Over-sentimental and corny tho some of the shows may be considered by some, they hae a way of getting to the hearts of the people—and the artistry of the performers is not to be belittled. They deliver what is expected of them and more. It is not Grand Opera—but it is truly "grand ole opry."

The show has performed a great service by keeping alive fine old country folk tunes—fiddle, banjo and guitar music—as well as keeping the urge to compose going in that field. Many of the pickin' and singin' stars are beloved as friends by those whosee and hear them from afar and locally when the various groups appear on their constant tours

The show must go on. Others will fill in for them, but Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins and Cowboy Copas will long be remembered."

Stars and fans alike were stunned at the loss of the performers and offered their comments.

  • Minnie Pearl, stating she had lost personal and professional friends:
    "There are going to be lots of memories when we go back to autioriums where we have been with them. We have had so many laughs together."
  • Ottis E. Devine, manager of the Grand Ole Opry was quoted:
    "WSM and the Grand Ole Opry are stunned and depply sadened. We have lost great talent, as well as a close personal relationship. This tragic happening has brought sorrow throughout the entire music industry, as well as from many thousands of faithful friends and admirers."
  • Governor Frank G. Clement of Tennessee stated:
    "...the entertainment world suffers a great professional loss and Tennessee suffers a great personal loss. ... I counted them among my close friends and extend my deep and sincere sympathy to their families."
  • John H. DeWitt, Jr., president of WSM:
    "They were great entertainers in the finest tradition of the Opry and great personages in their own right."
  • Hank Locklin:
    "I have known these fine people for the past several years and hav worked many show dates with them. I have always felt they were very close friends. It is the greatest loss to country and western music that we have ever experienced. I am heartbroken at the news."
  • Porter Wagoner:
    "The going of these gifted people leaves me with a double loss. First, and worst, I've lost friends. They were very close personal friends of mine. Second, I've lost fellow workers. You feel a special tie to those of your trade. They were a credit to our art, and an inspiration to me. My deepest sympathy to their families."
  • Roy Acuff:
    "It is terible. It is a loss to us at the Opry. Saturday night, I was with them. It grieves us a lot."
  • Earl Scruggs, speaking for himself and Lester Flatt:
    "It left us without words to express the shock of this tragedy. The music industry and the Grand Ole Opry have suffered a great loss of four personalities. They were sincere, dedicated people. We extend our deepest sympathy to their families."
  • Don Pierce, president of Starday Records:
    "Copas was more than Starday's top artist. He was a buddy. We did business on a handshake basis instead of a written contract. Cope's daughter, Kathy, also records for us. She has lost her husband, Randy Hughes, as well as her Daddy. Nashville, the Opry, Tennessee and country music have lost some wonderful people."
  • Chet Atkins, manager of the Nashville branch of RCA Victor records was in San Francisco at the time, but released a statement through his secretary Miss Mary Lynch:
    I am deeply shocked and upset at the loss of four of myu closest friends. Words cannot express the deep sypmathy I share with their famlies and millions of friends."
  • Owen Bradley, artist and repertoire man for Decca:
    Patsy Cline was one o fthe greatest voices in America — pop or country. There is no way to describe our feeling — our loss, personal and professional."
  • Jimmy C. Newman:
    I knew them all well. I had toured with them. We can't get over it. I don't think, even in years to come, will we be able to realize they are gone. But they will never really leave us because they have left us their records and songs."

Back then, the only major country music publications were not published as regularly as they are today nor were there many being published. Norm Silver, Editor of Country Song Roundup wrote an editorial "In Memoriam." He noted that at the Grand Ole Opry show that Saturday night, Opry Manager Ott Devine told the audience, "They never walked on this stage without a smile, and they would want us to keep smiling now." He further wrote:

"Outwardly there were smiles, but backstage there were tears. Minnie Pearl made an effort to control herself and motioned to Roy Acuff on the stage. He announced her and wpiing her eyes she dashed out to greet the audience with her famed "How-deeeeee! I'm so proud to be here!" There were jokes and laughter, but the sadness in the air was felt by all and the loss will be long be remembered."

Surivors of Cowboy Copas included his widow, Mrs. Lucille Markins Copas; a daughter, Mrs. Kathy Copas Hughes, two sons, Gary Copas, 19 and Michael Copas, 12; a grandchild; two brothers, Roy Copas and Marion Copas of Indiana; and two sisters, Mrs. Mldred Rothwell and Mrs. Alma Wolffe, both of Ohio.

Randy Hughes survivors include his widow, Mrs. Kathy Copas Hughes; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey Raleigh Hughes, Murfreesboro; and a son, Larry Dale Hughes.

Hawkshaw Hawkins survivors included his widow Jean Shepard Hawkins, a son, Don Robbin Hawkins; an adopted daughter, Marlene, of Hyattsville, MD; three sisters, Mrs. Lou Berry, Mrs. Paul Davis and Mrs. Betty Lawhorn, all of Huntington, WV. Honorary pallbearers for Mr. Hawkins included all members of the Grand Ole Oopry; Hap Peebles, Bob Mathis, Ken Nelson, Eddie Roscoe, Tommy Watson, Johnny Johnson, Gov. Frank Clement, John E. White, Les Williams, Vito Pelleteri, Ott Devine, Jim Denny, Lucky Modeller and Hubert Long. Active pallbearers listed were Harlan Howard, Ralph Emery, Stan Star Sr., Smiley Wilson, Eddie Millet and Carl Smith.

The coffins for all four were to be sealed. An 11x14 photo of each was to be displayed.

The Nashville Tennessean wrote this editorial on March 7, 1963:

"The stories of the plane crash tha ttook the lives of four top performers on the Grand Ole Opry are filled with tragic ironies.

The four—Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Cowboy Copas and Randy Hughes—were returning from Kansas City where they had donated their talents in a show to benefit the family of a disc jockey (Cactus Jack Call) who had been killed in an automobile wreck.

Miss Cline, who ws noted for her generosity in helping to relieve the hardships of others, was herself dogged by misfortune throughout her short but brilliant career. She suffered near-fatal injuries in an automobile accident in 1961 and was able to return to the stage after six months of hospitalization.

Mr. Copas, in a long and successful career, traveled by automobile 100,000 miles a year for 20 years without serious mishap. Mr. Hawkins had reached the height of success relatively late—he was 43—after a long struggle as an unknown was only beginning to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

The nation's country music fans mourn the loss of four talented and popular performers. Nashville does this. In addition the city suffers the greater sadness in the loss of four valued friends and citizens. The community feels the ken sense of sympathy for the victims' families that only neighbors can feel.

It is said that the presence of the greatest stars of the entertainment world in Nashville attracts no more than passing notice. This is a tribute to the city's role as a recording and music center.

But it is a tribute to Nashville's role as a friendly place to live that it can be said the absence of these four performers will be painfully noticed."

March 6, 1963 - Headline - Nashville Banner - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Randy Hughes - Patsy Cline - Cowboy Copas

Hawkshaw Hawkins
Record Reviews From The Billboard and Cash Box
Rebound

On the flip deck Hawkins belts out a fast moving tune with a socko set of lyrics. Recording gimmicks make for an enchanting side. (Rating: B+)
Date Label Rec No. Review
11/2/1946 (BB) King 560 Are You Waiting Just For Me? b/w You Nearly Lose Your Mind
Hawkins sounds tired on this platter, probably made at the end of an all-night record session. Crooner's hillbilly pipes sound strained even with the simple folk melodies. A change of pace, however, from his other massive output of the week is afforded by You Nearly Lose Your Mind, which is an old 12-bar blues. You can skip these, unless you're rabid for folk music.
11/9/1946 (BB) King 557 I Ain't Goin' Honky Tonkin' Anymore b/w I'll Never Cry Over You
Mountain music in the strongest folk vein chalks these two sides up for counter sales in the Bible Belt. Jukes might use Hanky Tonkin. It has a degree of bounciness l'll Never Cry Over You is a lachrymose waltz, marred by some fuzzy engineering. Backing is two guitars, one playing melody-the other rhythm chords. Both ditties are Ernest Tubb compositions and Tubb will probably be out, with his own versions. Slight juke possibility for Honky Tonkin'.
11/23/1946 (BB) King 559 Blue-Eyed Flame b/w Try Me One More Time
Two more mountain ballads from the pen of Ernest Tubb are spun by Hawkins. Blue-Eyed Flame is a sentimental love ditty in the ridge-runner vein, being chanted in alternate choruses with guitar breaks. Pace picks up for Try Me One More Time, tale of the unfaithful lover pleading to be taken back. On every disk Hawkins repeats his stunt of telling the lead guitarist to come in on the solo break. Despite weak musicmaking, Try Me One More Time might pay its juke freight.
11/8/1947 (BB) King 667 Sunny Side Of The Mountain b/w After Yesterday
Hawkshaw Hawkins, the popular Eastern folk singer, pipes a promising ditty of the hills on the A side. Tune is in the authentic lilt that makes for a hit with the rustic listeners. Reverse is again tailored for, the Hawkins' pipes, which sell a song with sad lyrics best, with a plea to a gal, who has cut their romance short. Hawkins gets able support from a string combo, that features mandolin and guitar obligatos, to make the platter a double-header winner. Two tales of frustrated love will hit In rustic boxes.
7/9/1949 (BB) King 793 Would You Like To Have a Broken Heart
Clever idea catches attention right off, as Hawkins sings it along. (Overall Rating: 80)

The Longer We're Together (The More We Drift Apart)
Here's a potent entry in the hillbilly hit race — a wonderfully sincere and hard-hitting Hawkshaw vocal on a tune with honest sentiment and immediate appeal. (Overall Rating: 86)
7/9/1949 (CB) King 793 The Longer We're Together (The More We Drift Apart) b/w Would You Like To Have a Broken Heart
There’s no telling what they’ll do once this disk gets around! Bound to be one of the hottest items to appear on the phonos in a long time is this latest bit of wax by the widely popular and capable Hawkshaw Hawkins, who notches this featured spot this week with a hot winner in “The Longer We’re Together” and “Would You Like To Have A Broken Heart.” It’s the top deck we’re ga-ga about— it certainly is one of the finest folk laments we’ve heard in a long time. Hawkshaw’s smooth, crystal clear vocal work on this side is top notch from start to finish. Slow tender tones of beautiful music filter thru the background, while the smart lyrics make for wonderful listening. Hawkshaw comes up with another excellent performance in the coupling to keep the platter sizzling. Lyrics beat a path about the title, with some top guitar work coming thru in the background. We go for the top deck—ops should latch on to this one—but pronto! (Bullseye Of The Week)
11/5/1949 (CB) King 821 I'm Kissing Your Picture Counting Tears b/w I Wasted A Nickel
Hawkshaw Hawkins comes up with a pair that should do well in the juke boxes, with this coupling titled “I’m Kissing Your Picture Counting Tears” and “I Wasted A Nickel.” Both sides show Hawkshaw at his best, altho the top deck gets our nod. Effective instrumental backing rounds out the wax. Hawkshaw’s wide bevy of fans should go for this platter in a big way. Music ops take note.
7/1/1950 (CB) King 876 That's All She Wrote b/w Yesterday's Kisses
Pair of vocal laments by Hawkshaw Hawkins might perk up juke box play for music ops. Top deck of this one is a slow romantic lament, with Hawkshaw handling the lyrical expression in effective manner. Flip side stays in the same vein and is another pleasing performance. Ops should lend an ear in this direction.
12/9/1950 (CB) King 918 Teardrops In My Eyes b/w I Love You A Thousand Ways
Hawkshaw Hawkins has taken a tune that's currently going strong in jazz and blues circles, "Teardrops From My Eyes," and made it a hit in western style. This side has all the qualities needed to send it into the smash category and the nickel parade should start in earnest very quickly. Accompanied by a string band, which provides a low steady guitar beating throughout the number, Hawkins combines the wonderful lyrics and melody in excellent style. It's the type that listening to once couldo f nthevinegr satisfy. Juke box fans will want to hear it more than that. The flip is another ballad given a fine vocal by Hawkins and his String Band which again provides a good guitar accompaniment. The side that will make ops real happy though is "Teardrops." This one will definitely make it and ops who go along will make something themselves. (Bullseye of the Week)
2/23/1952 (BB) King 1039 Everybody's Got A Girl But Me
Clever novelty tune with good lyrics, is sold well by the country warbler. Opening gimmick can help it get plays. (Overall Rating: 77)

Be My Life's Companion
Country version of the ditty that is now showing action in pop field has a pleasant vocal by Hawkins. (Overall Rating: 77)
1/17/1953 (CB) King 1154 Tangled Heart b/w Betty Lorraine
Hawkshaw Hawkins turns up with pair of lovelies that make it impossible to choose between them. The western artist warbles a smooth vocal bit when he delivers the pretty, lilting tune with romantic lyrics titled “Tangled Heart.” Hawkins employs all his vocal tricks in putting the pretty tune over. This is an item that could go in both the country and pop fields. The lower portion is another moderate beat item with a lush melody and a bounce that makes a catchy combination. The western warbler’s smooth and endearing vocal puts this in the sure fire class.. (Bullseye of the Week)
2/14/1953 (BB) King 1174 The Life Of Hank Williams
One of the best of the crop of Williams' musical testimonials, this unusual waxing should move mny listeners. Tune and recitation are changed with great sympathy by Hawkins—Action should be heavy. (Overall Rating: 82)

Picking Sweethearts
Nice warbling in a tuneful ditty about a guy anot too lucky in love. (Overall Rating: 75
2/14/1953 (BB) King 1175 Kaw-Liga
Hank Williams' latest tune is sung capably here by Hawkins, and the tune has the proper bounce. Hawkins, however doesn't sound as if he means it, and this version will have a tough time against the Williams' M-G-M cutting. (Overall Rating: 75)

If I Ever Get Rich Mom
A pretty sentimental ballad is sung with heart by the warbler, as he tells of the presents he will give to his mother someday. (Overall Rating: 75)
2/21/1953 (CB) King 1175 Kaw-Liga
Hawkshaw Hawkins dishes up the moderate tempo ditty written by Hank Williams and released after his death. Hawkins’ delivery of the item is polished and pleasing and should catch play although it is a little late to go all the way.. (Rating: B)

If I Ever Get Rich Mom
The flip is a slow beat sentimental number sold by the western chanter in solid manner. Hawkshaw’s sentimental reading makes this a pleasurable side. (Rating: B)
4/18/1953 (CB) King 1190 Barbara Allen
Hawkshaw sings the old sad story of Barbara Allen. A slow beat ballad sung with a lilt. Haunting and lovely. (Rating: B+)

The Life Story Of Hank Williams
And still they come. Another Hank Williams eulogy with narration. Hawkins sings the middle tempo tune with feeling and tenderness. (Rating: B)
6/20/1953 (BB) RCA Victor 20-5333 The Long Way
Here's a winning rendition by Hawkins in his Victor debut. Tune has the power to make it. Watch it. (Overall Rating: 82)

I'll Trade Yours For Mine
The warm pipes of Hawkins 'come thru nicely on this rhythmical ditty. Clever instrumentation. including a tuba. helps out. (Overall Rating: 75)
9/26/1953 (BB) RCA Victor 20-5444 The Mark 'Round My Finger
A good weeper with a new twist. Hawkins' relaxed style is a Pleasure to listen to. Singer is going to break Out with a big one any time. This could be it. (Overall Rating: 80)

A Heap Of Lovin'
A bouncy rhythm novelty with Hawkins selling the lyrics in top notch fashion. There's a good beat here, but warbler makes it sound easy with his warm and loose singing. (Overall Rating: 78)
9/26/1953 (CB) RCA Victor 20-5444 The Mark 'Round My Finger
The velvety tones of Hawkshaw Hawkins deliver a moderate beat romantic lament with pretty lyrics. The artist receives soft string backing as he expresses love for his gal though they have drifted apart. (Rating: B+)

A Heap Of Lovin'
Under deck is a quick beat item with romantic lyrics etched in pleasurable manner by Hawkins. Two fetching decks that could stir up a lot of interest. (Rating: B)
12/26/1953 (CB) RCA Victor 20-5549 When You Say Yes
Hawkshaw Hawkins applies a polished reading to a peppy quick beat tune. Light, pleasant love lyrics are wedded to a catchy melody for an easy-on-the-ears disk. (Rating: B)

I'll Never Close My Heart To You
Bottom deck is pretty, romantic item that gets the soft, relaxed Hawkins treatment. Subdued piano and strings back the artist expertly. Both ends should prove substantial juke box lure. (Rating: B)
2/20/1954 (BB) RCA Victor 20-5633 Waitin' For My Baby
The chanter has a good piece of material here, even the it is in a well-known groove, and he handles it with a lot of drive over a good Instrumental backing. Side moves and the vocal is good one. Good juke disk. and it could get sales action. (Rating: 77)

Flashing Lights
Hswkshaw Hawkins turns is a bright rendition of snappy novelty at he tells of the flashing lights in his girl's eyes. It's a good side and it should receive much deejay use. (Rating: 75)
4/24/1954 (BB) RCA Victor 20-5702 Rebound
Hawkins has a good piece of material here somewhat in the vein of "Ricochet" but different enough to pull spins on its own account The warbler sells it in happy fashion, and with exposure this side could turn into a strong loot-catcher. Potent wax. (Rating: 79)

Why Didn't I Hear It From You
A meaningful weeper is handled with care by the chanter, who asks his ex-girl why she didn't tell him their love was over. The Song has merit and the singer shows it off well. (Rating: 77)
5/15/1954 (BB) RCA Victor 20-5702 Why Didn't I Hear It From You
Hawkshaw Hawkins comes up with a most sincere reading on a poignant, slow tempo item. A strong deck that could create a lot of action. (Rating: B+)
8/28/1954 (BB) RCA Victor 5808 One White Rose
Sincere chanting by Hawkshaw on a poetic ballad. It has a strong sentimental appeal that could mean lots of spins and sales. (Rating: 77)

I Wanna Be Hugged To Death By You
When it's time to die, he knows the method he prefers. Cute ditty is sung easily for a mighty listenable side. (Rating: 73)
10/30/1954 (BB) RCA Victor 5890 I'll Take A Chance With You
Slow dreamy waltz ballad is chanted tenderly and warmly. This is a fine slicing, and It will bring pleasure to many. Good sales here to Hawkshaw fans. (Rating: 78)

Why Don't You Leave This Town
Bouncy weeper finds Hawkins sympathetic and the result is another mighty attractive hunk of country wax.. (Rating: 74)
2/19/1955 (BB) RCA Victor 6022 Ling Ting Tong
Hawkshaw wraps up a hot r.&b. tune in listenable country and western style, with a personable assist from Rita Robbins. Should get spins. (Rating: 75)

Ko Ko Mo
Another c.&w. version of the big tune, but it doesn't come off as well as the flip. However, it should get play on the strength of the ditty's Popularity. (Rating: 72)
2/26/1955 (CB) RCA Victor 6022 Ko Ko Mo
Hawkshaw Hawkins and Rita Robbins turn in a fetching duet on an enjoyable novelty that’s high up on the pop and r & b charts. (Rating: B+)

Ling Ting Tong
On the lower end Hawkins takes the solo spotlight and he comes up with a solid reading of another hit r & b tune. A strong coupling. (Rating: B+)
5/7/1955 (BB) RCA Victor 6103 Pedro Gonzales,Tennessee Lopez
Country novelty of the Tennessee lad who went to Mexico. Likely to get some deejay spins. (Rating: 73)

How Could Anything So Pretty Be So Doggone Mean?
Country novelty adequately done. (Rating: 71)
8/13/1955 (BB) RCA Victor 6211 The Love You Steal
A weeper about forbidden love, with moral message. Strong material done sincerely by Hawkins. This should get strong exposure. One to watch. (Rating: 78)

Car Hoppin' Mama
Lively novelty chanted by Hawkins. (Rating: 74)
10/30/1955 (BB) RCA Victor 5890 I'll Take A Chance With You
Slow dreamy waltz ballad is chanted tenderly and warmly. This is a fine slicing and it will bring pleasure to many. Good sales here to Hawkshaw fans. (Rating: 78)

Why Don't You Leave This Town?
Bouncy weeper finds Hawkins sympathetic, and the result is another mighty attractive hunk of country wax. (Rating: 74)
1/21/1956 (BB) RCA Victor 6396 If It Ain't On The Menu
If things ain't right, he don't want'em—that's the gist, put into a flock of cute verses and sung at a bright, springy clip. Has fine possibilities. (Rating: 80)

Borrowing
It's somebody's love he's borrowing. Pleasant, but not extraordinary material. (Rating: 74)
1/28/1956 (CB) RCA Victor 20-6396 If It Ain't On The Menu
Hawkshaw Hawkins takes hold of a flavorful piece of up tempo material and knocks it out in delectable style. Could rack up the sales and spins. Watch it. (Rating: B+)

Borrowing
Here the mellow-toned vocalist tenderly projects a very pretty, middle tempo lover’s lament with expressive lyrics. (Rating: B)
5/5/1956 (BB) RCA Victor 6509 Sunny Side Of The Mountain
Fine guitar work sparks this side in back of solid, sincere warbling by Hawkins. Material is bright, in the conventional pre-rock and roll groove. (Overall Rating: 73)

It Would Be A Doggone Lie
An okay job on a medium-tempo, old-style country blues tune.(Rating: 71)
5/5/1956 (CB) RCA Victor 20-6509 Sunny Side Of The Mountain
The smooth chords of Hawkshaw Hawkins shine as the chanter runs through a fast paced, sentimental piece in top calibre fashion. (Overall Rating: B+)

It Would Be A Doggone Lie
On the lower biscuit Hawkins hands in another competent reading on a feelingful, quick paced weeper. Two fine sides that are gonna grab off a healthy chunk of the sales and spins. (Rating: B+)
11/17/1956 (CB) RCA Victor 20-6716 I'll Be Gone
Hawkshaw Hawkins takes hold of a good piece of blues material and treats it to a sparkling reading. A modified rhythm rocker that could step way out and climb to a high rung on the sales charts. (Rating: B+)

My Fate Is In Your Hands
Under portion is a moving, moderate paced lover’s ballad beautifully portrayed by Hawkins. Standout double-decker.(Rating: B)
1/26/1957 (CB) RCA Victor 20-6794 Action
Hawkshaw Hawkins would be a happy guy if the gal smooched more and talked less. It’s a delectable little rhythmic ditty that the jocks are gonna spin aplenty. (Rating: B)

Oh, How I Cried
Here the smooth-toned warbler etches a tender, moderate-paced sentimental ballad. Grade “A” two-sider. (Rating: B)
5/18/1957 (CB) RCA Victor 6910 Dark Moon
Here’s one that could develop into Hawkshaw Hawkins’ biggest seller to date. The tune, already a smash in the pop market has been making a heap of noise on the country scene as well. However, Hawkins pop-country rendition of this penetrating love tale is so beautiful that, altho given a late start, can carve out a huge slice of the sales melon. Fabulous side. (Rating: B+)

With This Pen
As with the upper half the chanter receives a stellar vocal and instrumental assist, this time on an ultra-lovely romantic waltzer. Powerhouse pairing. (Rating: B+)
10/12/1957 (BB) RCA Victor 7054 (Is My) Ring On Your Finger b/w Sensation
It looks as tho Hawkshaw Hawkins is gonna move into the upper end of the popularity charts in the very near future as he comes up with two decks that are loaded with tremendous sales potential for both the country and pop markets. On the topside he delightfully knocks out a most appealing romanticnovelty jumper tagged “Sensation.” On the lower end he projects with touching sincerity as he softly carresses a beautiful, moderate paced, crying-towel lover’s ballad labeled “(Is My) Ring On Your Finger.” And Hawkshaw is showcased by a top calibre, pop-flavored vocal and musical backdrop on both ends of a powerful coupling. (The Cash Box Bullseye)
2/1/1958 (CB) RCA Victor 7145 It's Easier Said Than Done
Hawkshaw Hawkins, along with a stellar, pop-oriented vocal and instrumental background, wraps up a tearful, romantic shuffler in most attractive style. Click possibilities, pop and country-wise. (Rating: B+)

Guilty Of Daydreaming
This half is a lilting lover’s lament that the smooth-toned songster decks out with touching sincerity. Stand out two-sider. Keep close tabs on both lids (Rating: B+)
4/28/1958 (BB) RCA Victor 7322 I'll Get Even With You
A hand-clapping Latin type rhythm tune, cleffed by Don Gibson, gets a bright reading by the chanter. Has a revival quality. Good reading that can win territorial action. (Rating: 76)

I Don't Apologize
A pleasant touch by Hawkins on this conessional rurl ballad with a guilt feeling. Good reding and solid traditional material that can get spins in the hill sectors. (Rating: 75)
11/10/1958 (CB) RCA Victor 7389 Freedom
Hawkshaw Hawkins tearfully reflects that he’s still in love with the gal altho he now has his ‘freedom’. Touching, slow paced piece that the warbler performs with the utmost sincerity. (Overall Rating: B+)

I've Got It Again
He still has the romantic blues on this end but he sings about it in up tempo style. Powerful two-sider that should follow his “I Don’t Apologize” up the charts. (Rating: B+)
3/23/1959 (BB) RCA Victor 7486 Are You Happy
Sincere warbling stint on an appealing country ballad. Fine wax for traditional c.&w. jocks. (Rating: ****)

She Was Here
Same comment. (Rating: ****)
3/28/1959 (CB) RCA Victor 7486 She Was Here b/w Are You Happy
Hawkshaw Hawkins makes a potent bid to ride the popularity charts with both ends of his new Victor outing. Tagged “She Was Here” and “Are You Happy?”, they’re two, heartfelt middle beat love affairs that the smooth-toned song-stylist wraps up with touching sincerity. ‘Must-programming’, easy-on-the-ears coupling for the platter spinners. (The Cash Box Bullseye)
7/4/1959 (CB) Columbia 41419 Soldier's Joy b/w Big Red Benson
(Note: Review included Jerry Reed's version of "Soldier's Joy.") Two strong entries on “Soldier’s Joy” that hop on. the Battle Of New Orleans”-style bandwagon. Reed on NRC' offers a nifty run-through on the ditty, which is a commentary on the American Revolution. Ihe Hawkins’ Columbia rendition is a handsome bow for the artist on the label. Potent pop-country potential. (The Cash Box Pick Of The Week)
2/8/1960 (BB) Columbia 41574 Alaska Lill and Texas Bill
Hawkins is in fine vocal form on this tale of a heroine of the 49th State. It's strongly folkish, and the arrangement with chorus moves nicely. A good side that can pull coin. (Overall Rating: ****)

Patanio
A fast waltz tempo that has the sound of the Southwest. It's another epic tale of a hero of the plains. Hawkins hands it a good reading. (Overall Rating: ***)
2/13/1960 (CB) Columbia 41574 Alaska Lill and Texas Bill
Hawkins whips up a pop/country storm with his fine warbling of a wildwoods romance. A lovely ballad featuring top notch combo and chorus assists. All set for two-market. (Rating: B+)

Patanio
Another folk-like, dual-mart angled ballad saga on this end. At an upbeat Hawkins relates the story of a horse that was “the pride of the plains.” Two action-packed decks. (Rating: B+)
2/13/1960 (CB) Columbia 41574 Alaska Lill and Texas Bill
Hawkins whips up a pop/country storm with his fine warbling of a wildwoods romance. A lovely ballad featuring top notch combo and chorus assists. All set for two-market coin. (Rating: B+)

Patanio
Another folk-like, dual-mart angled ballad saga on this end. At an upbeat Hawkins relates the story of a horse that was “the pride of the plains.” Two action-packed decks. (Rating: B+)
7/9/1960 (CB) Columbia 41714 Your Conscience
Though both are entirely different, Hawkins’ latest outing has the either/ or stamp—achieved by his terrific handling of the up-beat “Conscience” and the ballad-paced “Juke Box.” A slight edge goes to “Conscience,” a bright display of tears with novelty vocal effects sprinkled throughout. “Put A Nickel In The Juke Box” is the familiar tale of a best friend stealing the gal. Give ’em a careful listen. (Rating: The Cash Box Bullseye)

Put A Nickel In The Juke Box
 
10/15/1960 (CB) Columbia 41811 My Story
The hawk-like grace of the singer’s vocal manner is heard to excellent advantage in the folk-angled saga of love and murder tagged “My Story.” The haunting flavor is further enhanced by the syncopated beat and the soft-voiced chorus. Should score easily. The familiar ballad weeper closes out the coupling. (Rating: The Cash Box Bullseye)

You Know Me Much Too Well
 
5/13/1961 (CB) Columbia 41811 The Love I Have For You b/w No Love For Me
Hawkshaw can rack up a two-sider here and even extend himself into the pop field. “The Love I Have For You” is a tender ballad that’s gently surveyed in the singer’s warm, personal approach, while “No Love For Me” is a strong-beat pop-angled rock-a-ballad that pop jockeys will appreciate too. Excellent coupler for the artist. (Cash Box Bullseye)


 
11/18/1961 (CB) Columbia 42223 Twenty Miles From Shore b/w Big Ole Heartache
The Hawk’s newest entry, “Twenty Miles From Shore,” is a bright, bubbly bouncer with an engaging romantic lyric. Deck’s long in the charm dept, and should be tabbed as the singer’s next click ride. Rickytick combo sets the pace for the warm-hearted lament, “Big Ole Heartache,” on the flipside. (Cash Box Bullseye)


 
5/19/1962 (CB) Columbia 42441 Darkness On The Face Of The Earth b/w I Can't Seem To Say Goodbye
Hawkshaw Hawkins unleashes his chart-riding vocal talents full-blast on “Darkness On The Face Of The Earth,” which seems a potent followup stanza to his recent smash of “Twenty Miles From Shore.” The tune js a twangy, bluegrass-flavored, dual-track weeper with Hawkins turning in a top-rung job in the chanting department. In “I Can’t Seem To Say Goodbye” the songster delivers a tender ballad which is perfectly suited to his rich, wide-range voice. (The Cash Box Bullseye)
 
9/29/1962 (CB) King 5692 Silver Threads And Golden Needles
Hawkins, who recently re-inked with King, comes up with a first-rate cover on the Springfields’ big pop-country smash. The chanter gives the folk-flavored opus a fine professional sendoff. Watch it. (Rating: B+)

Girl Without A Name
On this end the artist delivers lively pop-styled, tear-jerker with all of his expected authority and style. (Rating: B+)
11/24/1962 (CB) King 5695 Bad News Travels Fast (In Our Town) b/w Let Them Talk
For his second release for King, Hawkshaw Hawkins comes up with a real commercial affair tagged “Bad News Travels Fast (In Our Town).” The tune is a delightful, rhythmic tradition-oriented country lament sold with poise and artistry by the songster. On the flip, “Let Them Talk,” the artist unleashes his professional vocal talents full-blast on a shufflin’ pop-flavored, ballad. Side seems a natural for heavy airplay. (The Cash Box Bullseye)
 
2/2/1963 (CB) King 5712 Everything Has Changed b/w Lonesome 7-7203
The vet country chanter seems destined to have one of his biggest wax triumphs in quite a while with either side of this ultra-commercial hitsville loomer. One side, “Everything Has Changed,” is a tender, slowmoving tear-jerker sold by Hawkins with all of his expected warmth and sincerity. The other end, “Lonesome 7-7203,” is a contagious, shuffie-beat, chorus-backed ballad on a traditional hillbilly theme. Eye both sides here for acceptance. (The Cash Box Bullseye)


 

King 45-5712 - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Lonesome 7-7203 - Sep 1962

We'll leave you with this greeting that he was known for,

"May the Lord Take a Likin' To Ya!"

Hawkshaw Hawkins and the West Virginia Nighthawks - Hawkshaw Hawkins - Red Watkins - Glenn Ferguson - Jiggs Lemley - Buddy Nelson

West Virginia Nighthawks members:

  • Hawkshaw Hawkins
  • Billy Grammer, boogie guitar
  • Sammy Barnhart, bass
  • Mel and Stan, the "Kentucky Twins"
  • "Fireball", comedian
  • Red Watkins, guitar
  • Glenn Ferguson, fiddle
  • Herman "Jiggs" Lemley
  • Buddy Nelson, bass fiddle

Hawkshaw Hawkins

Hawkshaw Hawkins - 1921 - 1963

Credits & Sources

  • National Hillbilly News; July-August 1947; Poster Show Print Co.; Huntington, WV
  • Country Song Roundup No. 12; June 1951; Charlton Pub. Corp.; Derby, CT
  • Country Song Roundup No. 25; August 1953; American Folk Publications, Inc.; Derby, CT
  • Country Song Roundup No. 32; June 1954; American Folk Publications, Inc.; Derby, CT
  • Country Song Roundup No. 33; July-August 1954; American Folk Publications, Inc.; Derby, CT
  • Country Song Roundup No. 72; copy of article provided courtesy of Marlene Gilliam
  • Country and Western Jamboree; November 1956; Maher Publications; 2001 Calumet Avenue; Chicago, IL
  • The Mountain Broadcast and Prairie Recorder; January 1947; Article by Mary Jean Shurtz; Mountain Broadcast Pub. Co., Inc.; 45 Astor Place, New York, NY
  • Country & Western Jamboree; January 1957;
  • The Original Country Music Who's Who Annual for 1960; Edited and Produced by Thurston Moore, Cardinal Enterprises, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio; 1960.
  • Hawkshaw Hawkins Golden Spurs Fan Club; December 1953; President, Monna Massey.
  • Hawkshaw Hawkins Song Folio; circa 1950; Lois Publishing Company; Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Grand Ole Opry Stars Killed In Plane Crash; Clark Porteous; March 6, 1963; The Memphis Press-Scimitar; Memphis, TN
  • Craft Lost On Flight To City; Gerald Henry; March 6, 1963; The Nashville Tennessean; Nashville, TN
  • Plane Debris Yields Bodies At Camden; Larry Brinton and Clay Hargis; March 6, 1963; The Nashville Tennessean; Nashville, TN
  • Opry Hit Hardest By Fatal Air Crash; Red O'Donnell; March 6, 1963; The Nashville Tennessean; Nashville, TN
  • American Folk Tunes; July 6, 1946; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
  • American Folk Tunes; July 20, 1946; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
  • American Folk Tunes; September 14, 1946; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
  • 16th Annual Country Music Disk Jockey Poll; November 2, 1946; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
  • American Folk Tunes; February 15, 1947; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
  • American Folk Tunes; July 24, 1948; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
  • American Folk Tunes; August 14, 1948; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
  • American Folk Tunes; December 18, 1948; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
  • Folk Talent and Tunes; September 24, 1949; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
  • Friends, Fans Honor Opry Stars At Rites; Mach 9, 1963; The Nashville Banner; Nashville, TN
  • Brother Of Columbian Dies In K. C.; January 28, 1963; Columbia Daily Tribune; Columbia, MO
  • Car Injuries Are Fatal; January 26, 1963; The Kansas City Times; Kansas City, MO
  • Injuries Fatal To Kansas City Radio Figure; January 26, 1963; St. Joseph News-Press; St. Joseph, MO
  • Car Injuries Are Fatal; Obituary; January 26, 1963; The Kansas City Times; Kansas City, MO
  • In Memoriam; Norman Silver; August 1963; Issue No. 81; Country Song Roundup; American Folk Publications, Inc; Derby, CT
  • Western Stars In Music Show For A Benefit; March 1, 1963; The Kansas City Star; Kansas City, MO
  • Country Music Featured In A Memorial Hall Show; March 3, 1963; The Kansas City Star; Kansas City, MO
  • Three Opry Stars Die In Plane Crash; March 7, 1963; The Kingsport News; Kingsport, TN
  • Fate Picks And Sings A Sorrowful Tune; March 7, 1963; The Memphis Press-Scimitar; Memphis, TN
  • Rites Sunday For Patsy Cline; March 7, 1963; The Richmond News Leader; Richmond, VA
  • Stars Cautioned Against Winds; Gerald Henry; March 7, 1963; The Nashville Tennesseean; Nashville, TN
  • Disaster Stuns Country Greats; Eugene Dietz; March 7, 1963; The Nashville Tennesseean; Nashville, TN
  • Opry's Fans, Stars Mourn For Its Dead - Jack Anglin JOins Friends In Death; Don Stringer; March 8, 1963; The Nashville Banner; Nashville, TN
  • Car Wreck Claims 5th Opry Member; Frank Ritter; March 8, 1963; The Nashville Tennessean; Nashville, TN
  • Clement in Tennessee Waltz With Country Music Support; August 11, 1962; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
  • Folk Talent And Tunes; January 24, 1953; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
  • Hawkshaw Will Make Records; June 1946; National Hillbilly News; Poser Show Print Co.; Huntington, WV
  • Hawkshaw Hawkins; Rich Kienzle; August 1995; Issue No. 28; The Journal; Silver Eagle Publishers; Westport, CT
  • Eleven Yards of Personality! That's Hawkshaw Hawkins; Jenny Via; May / June 1949; National Hillbilly News; Mr. and Mrs. Orville Via; Huntington,WV

Related Web Links

Marlene (Hawkins) Gilliam - Hawkshaw's Step-Daughter
Country Gospel Music Singer/Songwriter
Hawkshaw Hawkins, Jr.

Sound Sample—(YouTube Video Format)


I Ain't Goin' Honky Tonkin' Anymore & WWVA Jamboree Promo

Appearance History This Month

Get The Music

Printer Friendly Version

Recordings (78rpm/45rpm)

 
Columbia
Rec. No. Side Song Title
  41419 A Big Red Benson
  41419 B Soldier's Joy
  41574 A Patanio (The Pride Of The Plains)
  41574 B Arkansas Lil And Texas Bill
  41714 A Put A Nickel In The Jukebox
  41714 B Your Conscience
  41811 A You Know Me Much Too Well
  41811 B My Story
  42002 A No Love For Me
  42002 B The Love I Have For You
  42223 A Twenty Miles From Shore
  42223 B Big Ole Heartache
  42441 A Darkness On The Face Of The Earth
  42441 B I Can't Seem To Say Goodbye
 
King
Rec. No. Side Song Title
  1039 A Be My Life's Companion
  1039 B Everybody's Got A Girl But Me
  1047 A I Am Slowly Dying Of A Broken Heart
  1047 B Over The Hillsung w/ Huby Wright
  1062 A Unwanted
  1062 B Got You On My Mind
  1081 A I Love The Way You Say Goodnight
  1081 B Loaded With Love
  1134 A I'm A Lone Wolf
  1134 B I Hope You're Crying Too
  1154 A Tangled Heart
  1154 B Betty Lorainne
  1174 A The Life Of Hank Williams
  1174 B Picking Sweethearts
  1175 A Kaw-Liga
  1175 B If I Ever Get Rich Mom
  1190 A The Life Story Of Hank Williams
  1190 B Barbara Allen
  3123 A Rattlesnakin' Daddy
  3123 B I Hate Myself
  3240 A Two Roads
  544 A After All
  544 B The Way I Love You
  557 A Never Cry Over You
  557 B I Ain't Goin' Honky Tonkin'
  558 A Soldier's Last Letter
  558 B There's A Little Bit Of Everything In Texas
  559 A Try Me One More Time
  559 B Blue Eyed Elaine
  560 A Are You Waiting Just For Me
  560 B You Nearly Lose Your Mind
  561 A It's Been So Long Darling
  561 B I Wonder Why You said Goodbye
  562 A Walking The Floor Over You
  562 B I'll Get Along Somehow
  563 A Mean Mama Blues
  563 B Mean Old Bed Bug Blues
  564 A I'm Wondering How
  564 B That's When It's Coming Home To You
  5692 A Girl Without A Name
  5692 B Silver Threads And Golden Needles
  5695 A Bad News Travels Fast
  5695 B Let Them Talk
  5712 A Lonesome 7-7203
  5712 B Everything Has Changed
  5765 A Love Died Tonight
  5765 B Sunny Side Of The Mountain
  5810 A Caught In The Middle Of Two Hearts
  5810 B If I Ever Get Rich Mom
  5871 A I'm Beginning To Forget
  5871 B Teardops On Your Letter
  5909 A Waiting In The Shadows
  5909 B This Particular Baby
  6047 A Never Mind The Tears
  6047 B Last Letter
  6074 A Jealous Fate
  6074 B It's Easy To Remember
  611 A Since You Went Away
  611 B When They Found The Atomic Power
  625 A Blue Skies In Your Eyes
  625 B Moonlight On My Cabin
  667 A After Yesterday
  667 B Sunny Side Of The Mountain
  686 A Secrets Of My Heart
  686 B Never Say Goodbye
  689 A Pan American
  689 B I Suppose
  696 A I'm Waiting Just For You
  696 B A Heartache To Recall
  720 A Dog House Boogie
  720 B I Can't Tell My Broken Heart A Lie
  742 A I Don't Have The Heart To Say Goodbye
  742 B Some Of These Nights
  756 A Somebody Lied
  756 B Memories Always Linger On
  776 A All Because Of My Jealous Heart
  776 B Life Lost It's Color
  793 A Would You Like To Have A Broken Heart
  793 B The Longer Were together More We Drift Apart)
  821 A I Wasted A Nickel
  821 B I'm Kissing Your Picture Counting Tears
  838 A There's A Teardrop In Your Eye
  838 B Wanted Someone To Love Me
  859 A Back To The Dog House
  859 B Pardon Me For Loving You
  876 A Yesterday's Kisses
  876 B That's All She Wrote
  897 A Stop Please Stop
  897 B Handcuffed To Love
  918 A I Love You A Thousand Ways
  918 B Teardrops From My Eyes
  932 A Shotgun Boogie
  932 B You Don't Belong To Me
  944 A Rattlesnakin' Daddy
  944 B I Hate Myself
  969 A I'm Waiting Just For You
  969 B A Heartache To Recall
  997 A Skies in Your Eyes
  997 B Side of the Mountain
  998 A Slow Poke
  998 B Two Roads
 
RCA Victor
Rec. No. Side Song Title
  20- 6794 A Oh How I Cried
  20- 6794 B Action
  20-5333 A I'll Trade Yours For Mine
  20-5333 B The Long Way
  20-5444 A A Heap Of Lovin'
  20-5444 B The Mark Round My Finger
  20-5549 A I'll Never Close My Heart
  20-5549 B When You Say Yes
  20-5623 A Waiting For My Baby
  20-5623 B Flashing Lights
  20-5702 A Rebound
  20-5702 B Why Didn't I Hear It From You
  20-5808 A One White Rose
  20-5808 B I Wanna Be Hugged To Death By You
  20-5890 A Why Don't You Leave This Town
  20-5890 B I'll Take A Chance With You
  20-6022 A Koko Mo
  20-6022 B Lin Ting Tong
  20-6103 A Pedro Gonzales Tennessee Lopez
  20-6103 B How Could Anything So Purty Be So Doggone Mean
  20-6211 A Car Hoppin Mama
  20-6211 B The Love You Steal
  20-6298 A I Gotta Have You
  20-6298 B Standing At The End Of My World
  20-6396 A Borrowing
  20-6396 B If It Ain't On The Menu
  20-6508 A Baby, It's In The Making
  20-6508 B You Can't Divorce My Heart
  20-6716 A I'll Be Gone
  20-6716 B My Fate Is In Your Hands
  20-6910 A Dark Moon
  20-6910 B With This Pen
  20-7054 A Sensation
  20-7054 B The Ring On Your Finger
  20-7145 A Guilty Of Dreaming
  20-7145 B It's Easier Said Than Done
  20-7222 A I Don't Apologize
  20-7222 B I'll Get Even With You
  47-5623 A Waitin' For My Baby (Rock, Rock)
  47-5623 B Flashin' Lights
  47-5890 A Why Don't You Leave This Town
  47-5890 B I'll Take A Chance With You
  47-6022 A Ko Ko Mo (I Love You So)
  47-6022 B Ling Ting Tong
  47-6298 A Standing At The End Of My World
  47-6298 B I Gotta Have You
  47-6396 A Borrowing
  47-6396 B If It Ain't On The Menu
  47-6509 A It Would Be A Doggone Lie
  47-6509 B Sunny Side Of The Mountain
  47-6716 A My Fate Is In Your Hands
  47-6716 B I'll Be Gone
  47-7054 A Sensation
  47-7054 B Is My Ring On Your Finger
  47-7145 A Guilty Of Dreaming
  47-7145 B It's Easier Said Than Done
  47-7222 A I'll Get Even With You
  47-7222 B I Don't Apologize
  47-7389 A Freedom
  47-7389 B I've Got It Again
  47-7478 A She Was Here
  47-7478 B Are You Happy
  47-7486 A She Was Here
  47-7486 B Are You Happy
 
Starday
Rec. No. Side Song Title
  105 A Slowpoke
  105 B Lonesome 7-7203


Artist Lists
                                                   


Hillbilly-Music.com

Yes, Hillbilly Music. You may perhaps wonder why. You may even snicker. But trust us, soon your feet will start tappin' and before you know it, you'll be comin' back for more...Hillbilly Music.

Hillbilly-music.com ...
It's about the people, the music, the history.