Sometimes it’s the unexpected show that becomes one of the most memorable. Such was the case when I saw Ted Hawkins shortly before he passed away in 1995.
Hawkins was booked to play Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall, a seemingly odd choice for an artist who was touring to promote a new album. For those who haven’t been there, the typical entertainment is jugglers and musicians with keyboards playing cover tunes. Yet there was Hawkins atop a makeshift stage, sitting on his trademark milk crate with guitar in hand.
I don’t recall much of a crowd that day as Hawkins launched into song. I was floored. His voice was raspy yet soulful. It had a profound weariness, no doubt the result of a hardened life and years spent as a street busker in Venice Beach, CA. Yet there was also a sense of contentment and compassion that was inspiring.
Halfway through the show a very young girl, she was maybe four or five, walked to the front of the stage. She started dancing and a smile broke out across Hawkin’s face. It was a simple yet magical moment that I will always remember.
Fast forward a number of years and an impressive line-up of artists have joined together to pay tribute to Hawkins on the forthcoming Cold and Bitter Tears: the Songs of Ted Hawkins. Even though Hawkins mostly performed solo, many of the songs feature full-band arrangements. Even so, the gentle arrangements remain true to Hawkin’s spirit. Stand-outs include Kasey Chamber’s “Cold and Bitter Tears,†James McMurtry’s “Big Things†and Mary Gauthier’s “Sorry You’re Sick.†Hawkins widow and daughter harmonize beautifully on “Baby†while album co-producer Kevin “Shinyribs” Russell shines on the boisterous “Who Got My Natural Comb.â€
Here are two videos for your listening and viewing enjoyment. The first is a short preview of the tribute album that features both songs and stories from many of the participating artists.
The second is Hawkin’s performing the 1950’s country classic “There Stands the Glass.” Others have performed the song but, to these ears, Hawkins’ take is the definitive version.
Photo credit: Paul Natkin
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.