Roy Hawkins | |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Roy Theodore Hawkins |
| Born | February 7, 1903 Jefferson, Texas, United States |
| Origin | Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Died | March 19, 1974 (aged 71) Compton, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Rhythm and blues |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instrument | Piano |
| Years active | c.1945–1960s |
| Labels | Cava-Tone, Down Town, Modern, RPM, Rhythm, Music City, Kent |
Roy Theodore Hawkins (February 7, 1903 – March 19, 1974)[1] was an American blues singer, pianist, and songwriter. After working in clubs, he broke through with his 1950 song "Why Do Things Happen to Me" inspired by an auto accident which paralyzed his right arm. Several of his songs, most notably "The Thrill Is Gone", were covered by later artists, including Ray Charles, B.B. King, and James Brown.
- ^ Eagle, Bob; LeBlanc, Eric S. (2013). Blues - A Regional Experience. Santa Barbara: Praeger Publishers. p. 311. ISBN 978-0313344237.