Roy Hawkins

Roy Theodore Hawkins ( born February 7, 1903 in Jefferson, Marion County, Texas, † March 19, 1974 in Compton, California ) was an American blues pianist, singer and songwriter, who is the West Coast Blues attributed. About his life little is known.

Born in Texas played Hawkins after the Second World War in clubs in Oakland and Richmond, California, where he was discovered by the producer Bob Geddins. 1947/48 Hawkins made ​​his first recordings. With "Why Do Everything Happen to Me" (1950) and " The Thrill Is Gone" (1951 ) he had two hits.

In the song "Why Do Everything Happen to Me" - later re-recorded by James Brown - Hawkins processed in a car accident after his ( depending on the source right or left ) arm remained paralyzed. As BB King in 1970 with " The Thrill Is Gone" was a smash hit, first the composer was specified incorrectly. Ray Charles also had a song by Hawkins - " Bad Luck Is Falling " - success.

Except for the images obtained via Roy Hawkins ' future life little is known. He died in California in 1974.