SCREAMIN’ JAY HAWKINS, BLUES AND GOTH ICON, IS A VETERAN
If you mentioned the name Jalacy J. Hawkins to most people these days, it’s likely you’d leave plenty of people confused. However, it only takes one line from the blues turned goth rock turned Halloween classic “I Put a Spell on You” for everyone to know exactly who you mean. Better known as Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, his influence on music continues to be seen in a variety of genres. However, before he shocked the world, he served as a Soldier…or an Airmen…or both? It’s complicated.
Does Screamin’ Jay Hawkins Have Military Service?
What we do know, is that Screamin’ Jay Hawkins is a Veteran. However, the timeline is a bit tricky, and there are a few reasons for that:
- To start, it’s not like the military took the same level of detailed care for its records decades ago as they do today.
- Hawkins was known to twist the truth a bit. After all, the man was a legendary showman, and performing is what he did best.
There are accounts that Hawkins dropped out of high school, in 1942. This was by forging his birth certificate to enlist as a Soldier in the U.S. Army while only 13 years old during World War II. During this time, the goth legend was serving in the Pacific. Another account shows Hawkins officially joining the Army in December 1945 when he was age 16 to help clean up Okinawa following WWII. After two two-year stints as a Soldier, Hawkins became an Airmen in September 1950. What is consistent about these accounts is that Screamin’ Jay Hawkins served in the Pacific. Additionally, during his time as a troop, he was a noted boxer, fighting in military boxing circuits as well as local Golden Gloves tournaments. The height of his boxing career would come in 1949 when Hawkins was the middleweight champion of Alaska. Following his win, Hawkins decided the abuse was enough and that his passion of music was the one better off pursuing. After being honorably discharged in 1952, Hawkins would end up playing jazz music with Tiny Grimes, where his career would begin.
Putting a Spell on Music Forever
Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’s songs as well as his showmanship would be greatly affected by his time as a singer, driver, and multi-instrumentalist for guitarist Tiny Grimes in the early 1950s. As part of the Rocking Highlanders, Grimes and company were known for wearing Gaelic attire, including kilts. This would garner a lot of attention through their music and image. However, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins was born for the spotlight. He soon began dressing lavishly, leading to him outshining Grimes and drawing in the audience like never before. This would lead to Okeh Records signing the Veteran in 1956, which is when Hawkins would release the iconic track that made him a household name and Halloween playlist staple. "I Put a Spell on You" was even included in Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. While the plan for the track was to create a bluesy love ballad, after a night of eating and drinking, Hawkins and his band changed the vibe completely into the powerful version that would go on to sell millions we all know today. Cleveland DJ Alan Freed encouraged Hawkins to use macabre props in his performances. This became a signature part of his act. It also helped him to become a pioneer of shock rock and gothic imagery in music still influencing modern artists.
How Did Screamin’ Jay Hawkins Die?
Sadly, on February 12, 2000, Hawkins passed away after having emergency surgery at the age of 71. Hawkins led a life filled with jumping out of coffins, using skulls and native dress for shocking performances. He became a rock n’ roll legend along the way. Screamin’ Jay Hawkins is yet another Veteran who went on from a life of service to captivate and leave an impact unlike anyone else before. Suggested reads: