Screamin' Jay Hawkins

Eccentric American Rhythm and Blues Singer

Screamin' Jay Hawkins was a pioneering American musician known for his powerful, operatic vocal delivery and wildly theatrical performances. Born on July 18, 1929, in Cleveland, Ohio, Hawkins initially aimed to become an opera singer before finding his niche within the realms of blues and rock and roll. He is most famous for his 1956 hit "I Put a Spell on You," which became a classic and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Although the song did not chart initially, it was later recognized as one of the most influential tracks in rock history and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.