ABOUT

Stevie Hawkins

International Blues Hall of Fame Legendary Blues Artist. Grammy® Award recipient. Fifty music industry awards.

Stevie Hawkins is an International Blues Hall of Fame Legendary Blues Artist, soulful vocalist, songwriter, drummer, and recording artist whose career spans more than five decades. Known for his powerful, expressive voice, dynamic drumming, authentic songwriting, and unmistakable stage presence, Hawkins has built a remarkable career that bridges blues, soul, rock, funk, R&B, and country music.

At the heart of Stevie's artistry is his voice—a soulful instrument shaped by a lifetime of performing, writing, and living the music he sings. Combined with his signature drumming style and unmistakable visual presence, including his iconic stage hat, Hawkins has created a unique identity recognized by fans around the world. His passion for preserving the spirit of the blues while creating original music continues to resonate with audiences everywhere.

Drawing on more than five decades of professional experience, Hawkins continues to create original blues and soul music that is rooted in tradition while speaking with a voice that is unmistakably his own.

Where It All Began

Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, Stevie's musical journey began at an early age. He immersed himself in the sounds of blues, soul, rock, jazz, Latin, and country music while developing his skills as both a drummer and vocalist. Those early influences became the foundation for a lifetime devoted to making music.

Playing With The Greats

As a teenager, Stevie was already touring professionally, performing on drums and developing his own artistry as a vocalist while sharing stages with many of the most respected artists in blues, soul, rock, R&B, and American popular music. Learning directly from these legendary performers shaped his musicianship, his voice, and his understanding of how to connect with an audience—an education few artists ever experience.

Among them were:

Blues, Soul & Rock Legends

    •  Rufus Thomas
    •  Albert King
    •  Chubby Checker
    •  Chuck Berry
    •  Dee Clark
    •  John Lee Hooker
    •  Leon Russell
    •  Gregg Allman
    •  James Cotton
    •  Percy Sledge
    •  The Ink Spots
...and many more.

While still in his teens—and continuing throughout his career—Stevie became an in-demand support drummer for many of Nashville's most respected entertainers.

Among them were:

Nashville & Country Music Artists

    •  Ace Cannon
    •  Webb Pierce
    •  Charlie Rich
    •  Ed Bruce
    •  Glen Campbell
    •  Doug Stone
    •  Johnny Rodriguez
    •  Jeff Carson
    •  Daryle Singletary
    •  Jim Ed Brown
    •  Razzy Bailey
    •  Cledus T. Judd
...and many more.

Award-Winning Career

In 2024, Stevie Hawkins was inducted into the International Blues Hall of Fame as a Legendary Blues Artist, recognizing more than five decades of dedication and contributions to blues music.

Stevie also received a Grammy® Award for his participation in The Rolling Stones' Grammy-winning album, Blue & Lonesome. Throughout his career, he has earned 50 music industry awards, including 22 blues music awards in recent years, recognizing his accomplishments as a vocalist, songwriter, drummer, and recording artist.

A Drummer's Drummer

Long before becoming recognized as a recording artist, Stevie earned a reputation as one of the finest drummers in the business. In 1977, Stevie had the opportunity to receive a series of private one-on-one drum lessons from Buddy Rich, one of the most influential and celebrated drummers in jazz history. That experience provided a rare opportunity to learn directly from a true master of technique, precision, and musical expression.

Stevie's mastery of rudimental drumming, musical sensitivity, and instinct for supporting vocalists have earned praise from some of music's most respected performers.

Praise from the legends

James Brown recognized Stevie's unique approach behind the kit, describing him as his favorite kind of drummer: "a soulful, funky, feel good drummer."

Bob Burns, the original drummer for Lynyrd Skynyrd, offered a distinction that speaks to Stevie's musicianship and respect among fellow drummers: "Me, I'm a Skynyrd drummer. You, you're a drummer's drummer."

Percy Sledge, after performing with Stevie, gave him one of the highest compliments a drummer could receive, telling him he was "the best drummer that had ever backed him up."

Albert King, reflecting on Stevie's playing, said: "I've played with some great drummers in my time, but this kid is a true wonder of the world, the funkiest alive."

Whether performing on stage or in the recording studio, Stevie's drumming has always been guided by one philosophy: serve the song first.

Still Writing. Still Recording. Still the Blues.

Today, Stevie Hawkins continues writing, recording, and performing original music that honors the traditions of blues and soul while bringing his own distinctive voice to the genre. His latest album, Soul and Blues, showcases that lifelong commitment through heartfelt songwriting, powerful vocals, and musicianship forged from decades of experience.

Stevie is also currently working on a new Blues-based Southern Rock album, continuing to explore the powerful connection between blues, rock, and soul that has defined his musical journey.

Whether behind the drums, behind the microphone, or behind the pen, Stevie Hawkins remains dedicated to creating music that connects with people. Through his voice, his musicianship, and his unmistakable stage presence, he continues to carry the spirit of the blues forward for future generations. .