Ronald Hawkins, OC, is an American rockabilly musician whose career has spanned more than half a century. His career began in Arkansas, where he was born and raised. He found success in Ontario, Canada, and has lived there for most of his life. He is considered highly influential in the establishment and evolution of rock music in Canada.Also known as "Rompin' Ronnie", "Mr. Dynamo", or simply "The Hawk", he was one of the key players in the 1960s rock scene in Toronto. Throughout his career, Hawkins has performed all across North America and recorded more than twenty-five albums. His hit songs included covers of Chuck Berry's "Thirty Days" and Young Jessie's "Mary Lou", a song about a "gold-digging woman". Other well-known recordings are "Who Do You Love?", "Hey Bo Diddley", and "Susie Q", which was written by his cousin, rockabilly artist Dale Hawkins.
Hawkins is also notable for his role as something of a talent scout and mentor. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of premiere backing musicians via his band, the Hawks. The most successful of those eventually formed The Band, while other musicians Hawkins had recruited went on to form Robbie Lane and the Disciples, Janis Joplin's Full Tilt Boogie Band, Crowbar, Bearfoot, and Skylark.
“Hey son, don't look so glum. The goddam movie'd be awright if only had a few more shots of Robbie!”
Speaking to Levon Helm in 1978 after seeing with the members of The Band a private screening of the movie The Last Waltz (later criticized for its focus on Robbie Robertson).
This Wheel's on Fire. Helm, Levon; Stephen Davis (2000). Chicago: A Capella Books. p. 275. ISBN 978-1-55652-405-9.
"Putting Ontario into music" http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fzM_AAAAIBAJ&sjid=WFEMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5627,4380746. The Windsor Star (21 November, 1969)
