Greg Hawkes | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Gregory A. Hawkes |
Born | Fulton, Maryland, U.S. | October 22, 1952
Genres | |
Occupation | Musician |
Instruments |
|
Years active | 1969-present |
Formerly of | The Cars |
Gregory A. Hawkes (born October 22, 1952)[1] is an American musician who is best known as the keyboardist and founding member of the American new wave band the Cars. Hawkes is credited with helping popularize new wave and synth-pop in American popular music as a member of the Cars.[2]
Hawkes, a native of Fulton, Maryland, United States, attended Atholton High School where he played in a band called Teeth. He then attended Berklee College of Music for two years,[3] majoring in composition and flute. He left to play in various bands, including Martin Mull and his Fabulous Furniture, where he played flute, saxophone, and clarinet. He also played in a band called Richard and the Rabbits, which included future Cars bandmates Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr.[3] He was the last member to join the Cars.[4] Hawkes was also in the New Cars with original Cars member Elliot Easton, along with vocalist/guitarist Todd Rundgren, bassist Kasim Sulton, and drummer Prairie Prince. In 2018, Hawkes was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Cars.[5]