Jazz Greats: Erskine Hawkins

Erskine Hawkins (1914-1993), nicknamed the “20th Century Gabriel” for his high-notes and elaborate solos, was a trumpeter and bandleader during the swing era of the 30’s and 40’s. Although lesser known than other bandleaders of the time, Hawkins led a formidable group of musicians who wrote and arranged several hits, including “Tuxedo Junction,” and performed as the Savoy Ballroom house band for several years. 

Erskine Hawkins (second from left) and His Orchestra at the Savoy Ballroom, late 1930s - early 1940s

Born on July 26, 1914 in Birmingham, Alabama, to Cary and Edward Hawkins, Erskine was one of five siblings. After his father died in World War I, the family moved across the street from a school called the Tuggle Institute, where Hawkins excelled at music and athletics. He first took up drums at age 7, then learned trombone a few years later, and began playing trumpet when he was 13. At Industrial High School, he studied with the influential music educator J. T. “Fess” Whatley. Many of his other students would go on to play in bands led by Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. 

At age 16, Hawkins attended Alabama State Teachers College, where he played with the school band, the ‘Bama State Collegians. He soon became the band’s leader and, in 1934, took them on a tour of the Northeast, including performances in New York City at the Savoy Ballroom. The band succeeded professionally and generated a loyal following during this tour, eventually splitting from the college and renaming themselves “the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra.” 

Promotional Photo of Erskine Hawkins after moving from Alabama to Harlem in 1934

From their recording debut in 1936 through 1953, the band performed frequently and scored three major hit songs, “Tuxedo Junction,” “After Hours,”  and “Tippin’ In.” At the heart of the band were its five core members: Erskine Hawkins and Dud Bascomb on trumpet, Paul Bascomb and Julian Dash on tenor sax, and Haywood Henry on baritone sax. A notable side-man in the orchestra was pianist Avery Parrish, who featured on the band’s 1940 recording of “After Hours.” 

During the late 30’s, the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra found steady work in Harlem, particularly at the Savoy Ballroom, where they alternated with the Chick Webb Orchestra to provide live music all night long. Eventually the Hawkins Orchestra took over as the house band, and occasionally participated in “battles of the bands” with the likes of Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, and Glenn Miller. The Hawkins Orchestra’s medium-fast tempos and hard swinging style made them consistent favorites with dancers for many years.  

Erskine Hawkins signed photograph -- NYPL Digital Collections

In 1953, as swing gave way in general popularity to rhythm & blues and bebop, Hawkins led a smaller jazz combo and recorded scarcely. He recorded a reunion album with members of his past orchestra in 1971, and was one of five inaugural inductees into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Hawkins passed away at the age of 79 on November 11, 1993 in Willingboro, New Jersey.

Erskine Hawkins (left) and his Orchestra

In 2024, Erskine Hawkins was the featured artist of the Lindy Focus Heritage Sounds Transcription Project, a yearly endeavor to revive the music of the original swing bandleaders. Through the work of musicians including Laura Windley, Jonathan Stout, and Michael Gamble, dancers got to enjoy three full sets of original Erskine Hawkins charts, performed by many of the world’s best living swing musicians. You can listen to the entire world premiere set from Lindy Focus here!

Come and enjoy Erskine Hawkins tribute night at Jazz Attack with DJ Gavin, or listen to some of his classic tunes on YouTube or your music streaming platform of choice.

To learn more about other notable jazz musicians, visit our blog. And don't forget to check out our History & Culture page for an informative background on Lindy Hop & Jazz history.

Sources:

https://syncopatedtimes.com/erskine-hawkins-profiles-in-jazz/

https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/erskine-hawkins/

https://www.alamhof.org/erskinehawkins