Dead Ronnie Hawkins: Canadian “father of rock ‘n roll” was 87 years old

Ronnie Hawkins, a Southern rockabilly singer who was widely considered an inspiration for the Canadian music scene, died Sunday morning at the age of 87. His wife, Wanda, confirmed his death after an unspecified illness.

“He left peacefully and seemed more understanding than ever,” she said. Canadian press Press release.

Known for his enthusiastic stage presence, the cover singer of Bo Diddley’s “Ruby Baby”, “Mary Lou” and “Who Do You Love” was known as Mr. Dynamo, Sir Ron, Rompin ‘Ron and Corey.

Hawkins was the founder of the band Hawks, who played with Bob Dylan on his first electric tour in 1966. The five members of .Hooks, including Levon Helm and Robbie Robertson, later formed the group.

Despite frequent fights between unstable individuals, Hawkins joined the band on stage as part of the 1976 farewell show featured in Martin Scorsese’s concert film. the last waltz.

“He was very good at picking up the musicians he thought were the best around him,” Robertson said in a 2016 interview with the Canadian press. “It was like a bootcamp for musicians to go through, learn music and when to do certain things and not do certain things. He just played a big part in all of this. “

Born in Arkansas in 1935, Hawkins joined the Army Reserve after graduating from high school, later opening the Rockwood Club in Fayetteville, Ark., Which became a popular concert stop for Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and Conway Tweet et to the.