Death of the singer Ronnie Hawkins at the age of 87

The rockabilly musician Ronnie Hawkins died Sunday after a long battle with illness, his wife confirmed to the Canadian press.

 

Ronnie Hawkins began his career in Arkansas, in the southern United States, but had particular success in Canada in the 1960s. He did so with a style of music known as rockabilly. He recorded hits like Who do you love? and Hey Bo Diddley and became a major influence in the Canadian music industry.

 

He also, and most importantly, became famous for the musicians he mentored. Ronnie Hawkins put together a backing band to perform in the 1960s. This band, after ceasing to perform with him, would eventually become much more famous. Levon Helm, Robbie Robertson, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel and Rick Danko then formed The Band. It accompanied Bob Dylan and became one of the most admired and influential bands in the world. The musicians in the band have continued to look up to Ronnie Hawkins as the one who shaped them musically.