Ronnie Hawkins, the charismatic founding father of Canadian rock’n’roll has died aged 87. A hugely influential figure, Hawkins, dubbed ‘Mr Dynamo’ in his younger days, after his 1960 studio album of the same name, was perhaps best known for mentoring The Band in their early incarnation as his backing group, The Hawks.
In a tribute on Twitter, The Band’s Robbie Robertson said: “[Ronnie] was not only a great artist, tremendous performer and bandleader, but had a style of humour unequalled. Fall down funny and completely unique. God only made one of those and he will live in our hearts forever. My deepest condolences to his family.” Born in Huntsville, Arkansas, just two days after Elvis, Hawkins headed for Canada to make a name for himself as a performer in a country where homegrown rock’n’roll acts were still in their infancy.