Erskine Hawkins, often hailed as "The 20th Century Gabriel," was a prominent African-American trumpeter, bandleader, and composer during the swing era. Born on July 26, 1914, in Birmingham, Alabama, Hawkins honed his musical talent at the Alabama State Teachers College, where he played in the school band, The Bama State Collegians, which he would eventually lead. Gaining fame for his virtuoso trumpet playing and rousing big band sound, Hawkins would go on to lead one of the most popular orchestras of the 1930s and 1940s, cementing his legacy with the iconic song "Tuxedo Junction," an homage to a jazz and dance club in Birmingham.

Erskine Hawkins' career spanned several decades, during which he became synonymous with the sound of big band jazz. His vibrant trumpet style and ability to swing at any tempo made him a fixture in the music scene of his time. Throughout his tenure, Hawkins produced a substantial body of work, marked by records such as "Uptown Shuffle" and "Midnight Stroll." His contributions to music were not only through performances but also through recordings, including the expansive "Anthology: The Deluxe Collection (Remastered)," that helped to immortalize his distinct sound for future generations. Hawkins' remarkable contributions to music were recognized with his induction into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in 1978. He continued to lead his orchestra until his death in 1993, leaving behind a rich legacy as one of the giants of the big band jazz era.

Genres

Big Band

Dixieland

Swing

Vintage Jazz

Related Artists

Duke Ellington

Count Basie

Glenn Miller

Cab Calloway

Benny Goodman

Lionel Hampton

Louis Armstrong

Nat King Cole

Jimmie Lunceford

Teddy Wilson

Harry James

Artie Shaw

Latest Release

Uptown Shuffle, Vol. 2

Erskine Hawkins

Album - 9 Tracks - Released August 30, 2024