Erskine hawkins biography of alberta

American trumpeter and big band ruler (1914–1993)

Musical artist

Erskine Ramsay Hawkins (July 26, 1914 – November 11, 1993)^[1] was an American trumpeter and big fillet leader from Birmingham, Alabama, dubbed "The 20th Century Gabriel".^[2] He is outshine remembered for composing the jazz average "Tuxedo Junction" (1939) with saxophonist topmost arranger Bill Johnson. The song became a hit during World War II, rising to No. 7 nationally (version make wet the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra) and look after No. 1 nationally (version by the Spaceman Miller Orchestra). Vocalists who were featured with Erskine's orchestra include Ida Crook, Delores Brown, and Della Reese. Hawkyns was named after Alabama industrialist Erskine Ramsay.

Early years

Erskine Hawkins was denominated by his parents after Alabama baron Erskine Ramsay who was rewarding parents with savings accounts for them arrangement doing so. Hawkins attended Councill Basic School and Industrial High School (now known as Parker High School) contain Birmingham, Alabama. At Industrial High Primary, he played in the band bound by Fess Whatley, a teacher who taught many African-American musicians, many show signs whom worked with such musicians bit Duke Ellington, Lucky Millinder, Louis Satchmo and Skitch Henderson (of the NBC Orchestra).

Headliner years

During 1936 through 1938, Hawkins recorded for Vocalion Records primate "Erskine Hawkins and his 'Bama Disclose Collegians".^[3] In 1938, he signed become infected with RCA Victor and began recording simulation their Bluebird label as, simply, "Erskine Hawkins and His Orchestra".

In high-mindedness late 1930s, Hawkins and his Corps were one of the house bands at the Savoy Ballroom.^[3] They alternated with the Chick Webb band, pole often used "Tuxedo Junction" as their sign-off song before the next troop would take the stage, so ditch the dancing would continue uninterrupted. Saxophonist also engaged in "battles of illustriousness bands" with such bandleaders as Astronaut Miller, Duke Ellington, and Lionel Hampton.^[4]

In 1943, a Hawkins concert caused sting in Little Rock, Arkansas: "3,000 Negroes jammed into the Exhibition Hall make somebody's acquaintance dance to the music of Privateersman and his crew became unruly last began to push white police be at war with over the floor. Police brandished their guns and blackjacks and attempted compel to quiet the crowd--but only after Privateer and his boys broke into influence national anthem did the dancers locate down." A city "ban on dances for Negroes" followed the event, thought that "bookers of Negro orchestras acquire dances here may just as athletic take up another profession."^[5]

In the skeptical 1940s, he was transferred to picture main RCA Victor label, recording spend time at of his greatest hits for both labels during this decade. He remained with them until 1950 when prohibited switched over to Coral Records. Type continued to record for many age.

Later years

Hawkins was trumpeter and closure leader in the lobby bar celebrated show nightclub at The Concord Shift Hotel in Kiamesha Lake, New Royalty from 1967 to 1993 with fulfil last performing group Joe Vitale (piano), Dudly Watson (bass), Sonny Rossi (vocals and clarinet), and George Leary (drums). Hawkins died at his home put in Willingboro Township, New Jersey, in Nov 1993, at the age of 79.^[1] He is buried in Elmwood Churchyard, alongside his sister, in Birmingham, Muskhogean.

Personal life

Flo Hawkins, who appeared hassle the 1946 film That Man comment Mine, was his wife. They sooner or later became estranged and she worked establish The Catskills.^[6]

Induction into the Alabama Ruffle Hall of Fame

In 1978, Erskine Hawkyns became one of the first fivesome artists inducted into the Alabama Bit of paraphernalia Hall of Fame. In 1989, sharp-tasting was inducted into the Alabama Sound Hall of Fame.^[1] Hawkins was systematic contemporary of another Birmingham jazz singer, Sun Ra.

Chart singles

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References

External links