The Ted Hawkins story is among the most unique in American music. The Biloxi Mississippi native spent years as a street busker, most notably serenading passers-by on Venice Beach, CA while perched on a milk crate. He was “discovered” several times but never found significant success.
His graveled voice and insistent guitar were his calling card; his songs informed by the blues but with a soulful, albeit gritty, feel. The combination was endearing, even as it reflected a live hard lived.
Hawkins’ 1982 debut Watch Your Step has just been re-released on vinyl. The songs, a mix of solo and full band performances, are a welcome reminder of a tremendous musical talent.
Here is vintage Hawkins – a performance of the album’s title track that was aired on a British television show in the mid-1980’s.
As a bonus, I’ve included a playlist of artists covering Hawkins’ “Sorry You’re Sick.†Featured are Shinyribs, Miss Tess & the Talkbacks (featuring Lake Street Dive), The Mastersons and Anderson East. The playlist is kicked off by Langhorne Slim talking about his appreciation of Hawkins (and “Sorry You’re Sickâ€) before playing “Funny Feelin’â€, a song he wrote in tribute to the late artist. These performances are a wonderful reminder of the power in Hawkins’ music.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.