February 13: "Dale" Hawkins - The architect of swamp rock boogie - was born on this day in 1936...

... he was 73-years-old when he died after a long battle with colon cancer.

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Hawkins was a pioneer American rock singer, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist who was often called the architect of swamp rock boogie.[citation needed] Fellow rockabilly pioneer Ronnie Hawkins was his cousin.

In 1957, Hawkins was playing at Shreveport, Louisiana clubs. Combining the influence of Elvis Presley, the guitar stylings of Scotty Moore, with the heavy blues sound of black Louisiana artists he recorded his swamp-rock classic, "Susie Q," with fellow Louisiana guitarist and future Rock and Roll Hall of Famer James Burton provided the signature riff and solo.

The song was chosen as one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. Creedence Clearwater Revival's version of the song on their 1968 debut album helped launch their career and today it is probably the best known version.

Press link below to view You Tube videos:

-- "My Babe"

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