# Screamin' Jay Hawkins

> American singer-songwriter, musician, actor, film producer, and boxer (1929-2000)

**Wikidata**: [Q455754](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q455754)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screamin'_Jay_Hawkins)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/screamin-jay-hawkins

## Summary
Screamin' Jay Hawkins was an American singer-songwriter, musician, actor, film producer, and boxer (1929–2000). He is best known for pioneering the rock and roll and shock rock genres, particularly with his 1956 hit "I Put a Spell on You," which became a blues-rock standard.

## Biography
- Born: July 18, 1929, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, United States
- Nationality: United States
- Known for: Pioneering rock and roll and shock rock music, including the hit "I Put a Spell on You"
- Employer(s): OKeh Records, Philips Records
- Field(s): Music, acting, film production

## Contributions
- Released "I Put a Spell on You" in 1956, a blues-rock song that became a defining track of the rock and roll era.
- Signed with OKeh Records in 1956, marking his debut in the music industry.
- Recorded with Philips Records in the 1950s, contributing to his early career in music.
- Appeared in films such as *The Wild One* (1953) and *The Wild Angels* (1966), showcasing his acting and film production skills.
- Engaged in boxing, demonstrating his versatility beyond music and film.

## FAQs
**What genre of music did Screamin' Jay Hawkins popularize?**
Screamin' Jay Hawkins popularized rock and roll and shock rock, particularly with his 1956 hit "I Put a Spell on You," which blended blues with rock and roll influences.

**Where did Screamin' Jay Hawkins record his early music?**
Screamin' Jay Hawkins recorded his early music with OKeh Records in 1956 and later with Philips Records, which helped establish his career in the music industry.

**What films did Screamin' Jay Hawkins appear in?**
Screamin' Jay Hawkins appeared in *The Wild One* (1953) and *The Wild Angels* (1966), contributing to his roles as an actor and film producer.

**Did Screamin' Jay Hawkins engage in other professions besides music?**
Yes, Screamin' Jay Hawkins was also a boxer and an actor, demonstrating his diverse talents beyond music and film production.

## Why They Matter
Screamin' Jay Hawkins mattered as a pioneer of rock and roll and shock rock, influencing generations of musicians with his blues-rock fusion. His 1956 hit "I Put a Spell on You" became a blues-rock standard, shaping the sound of early rock and roll. Hawkins' work in film production and acting further expanded his creative influence, making him a multifaceted artist. His legacy endures in music history, particularly for blending blues with rock and roll, and his contributions to film and boxing demonstrate his versatility.

## Notable For
- Pioneering the rock and roll and shock rock genres with "I Put a Spell on You" (1956).
- Signing with OKeh Records in 1956, marking his debut in the music industry.
- Recording with Philips Records, contributing to his early career in music.
- Appearing in films such as *The Wild One* (1953) and *The Wild Angels* (1966).
- Engaging in boxing, showcasing his versatility beyond music and film.

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Screamin' Jay Hawkins was born on July 18, 1929, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He began his career in the 1950s, initially working as a boxer and actor before transitioning into music. His early performances and recordings laid the groundwork for his future success in the music industry.

### Musical Career and Breakthrough
In 1956, Hawkins signed with OKeh Records, releasing "I Put a Spell on You," which became a defining track of the rock and roll era. The song blended blues with rock and roll, establishing Hawkins as a pioneer of the genre. His work with Philips Records further solidified his career, contributing to his reputation as a blues-rock artist.

### Film and Acting Career
Hawkins appeared in several films, including *The Wild One* (1953) and *The Wild Angels* (1966). His roles in these films showcased his acting skills and contributed to his versatility as an artist. Additionally, he worked as a film producer, expanding his creative influence beyond music.

### Boxing and Diverse Talents
Beyond music and film, Hawkins was also a boxer, demonstrating his athleticism and multifaceted talents. His participation in boxing highlighted his physical prowess and further emphasized his diverse career path.

### Legacy and Influence
Screamin' Jay Hawkins' legacy endures in music history, particularly for his contributions to rock and roll and shock rock. His 1956 hit "I Put a Spell on You" remains a blues-rock standard, influencing generations of musicians. Hawkins' work in film and boxing further demonstrates his versatility, making him a notable figure in multiple creative fields. His impact on music and entertainment continues to be celebrated, ensuring his place in cultural history.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Fichier des personnes décédées mirror
3. BnF authorities
4. Metal Evolution
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. MusicBrainz
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. SNAC
9. Find a Grave
10. Discogs
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. BBC Things
13. ISWC Network
14. performing-arts.ch