Screamin' Jay Hawkins

Who Is Screamin' Jay Hawkins? Age, Biography and Wiki

Screamin' Jay Hawkins was born on July 18, 1929, and tragically passed away on February 12, 2000. In 2025, had he been alive, he would have celebrated his 96th birthday. Hawkins was a multifaceted talent, recognized not just as a musician but also as an actor and former boxer. He is often credited with laying the groundwork for theatrical genres in rock music, fusing elements of blues, jazz, and rock ‘n’ roll to create a unique sound defined by his powerful voice and dramatic stage presence.

Occupation	Film Producer
Date of Birth	July 18, 1929
Age	70 Years
Birth Place	Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Horoscope	Cancer
Country	U.S
Date of death	12 February, 2000
Died Place	N/A

Popularity

Height, Weight & Measurements

While exact measurements were not always documented in Hawkins' time, it is generally estimated that he stood around 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and had a robust physique that resonated his powerful stage performances. His weight fluctuated throughout his career, reflecting both his lifestyle as a musician and his time as a boxer.

Family, Dating & Relationship Status

Details regarding Screamin' Jay Hawkins' personal life were often shrouded in mystery, which is not uncommon for artists of his era. He had several relationships throughout his life, but exact information regarding a significant other or long-term partner remains elusive. He had children, but details about his family life were largely kept private.

He had three older sisters, but his mother decided to put him into foster care. He grew up in the boarding house his foster mother owned. Hawkins studied classical piano as a child and learned guitar in his 20s.

In a 1993 interview, Hawkins recounts telling his music tutor,"...to leave before I make your life miserable [...] because with the type of music I want to play. The things I want to do with music and don't want to do it the old conventional way that everybody knows. I want to come up with my own ideas.

I've got all the information that I need to get from you to do what I want, now if you stick around, I'm going to make your life miserable." His initial goal was to become an opera singer (Hawkins cited Paul Robeson as his musical idol in interviews), but when his initial ambitions failed, he began his career as a conventional blues singer and pian

ist.

Other influences included Mario Lanza, Enrico Caruso, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Charles Brown, Amos Milburn, Wynonie Harris, Nellie Lutcher, Roy Brown, Jimmy Witherspoon, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Roy Milton, Elmore James, Lightnin' Hopkins and H-Bomb Ferguson.

Net Worth and Salary

At the time of his passing in 2000, Screamin' Jay Hawkins' net worth was estimated to be around $1 million. This figure primarily stemmed from his prolific music career, which included his iconic single "I Put a Spell on You," alongside various acting roles and live performances. Adjusting for inflation and considering royalties and popularity that have re-emerged through various media, his legacy continues to generate income, contributing to an estimated posthumous net worth that may exceed $2 million in 2025.

Career, Business, and Investments

Hawkins' career began in the late 1940s, evolving as he mixed different genres and theatrical elements into his performances. He gained notoriety for his hit song "I Put a Spell on You," which has been covered and referenced in numerous films and television shows, further solidifying his place in music history. Beyond music, Hawkins appeared in various films and television shows, showcasing his diverse talents.

In terms of business, Hawkins capitalized on his popularity by touring extensively and engaging with fans, both in person and through merchandise sales. Moreover, his influence on modern rock and heavy metal artists continues to inspire new generations, ensuring that his artistic impact remains relevant today.

In 1951, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins began his career performing vocals and keyboards for Philadelphia guitarist Tiny Grimes, and was subsequently featured on some of Grimes' recordings. When Hawkins later went solo, his first single “Why Did You Waste My Time” was performed with accompaniment from Grimes’ band.

In 1956, Hawkins signed with OKeh Records. When Hawkins became a solo performer, he often performed in a stylish wardrobe of leopard skins, red leather, and wild hats.

Social Network

While Screamin' Jay Hawkins didn't have social network profiles in his lifetime, his legacy persists on various platforms dedicated to music and historical figures. Fans and historians alike have created fan pages, Instagram accounts, and Twitter profiles to celebrate his contributions to the music industry. His music is available on most streaming platforms, allowing a new audience to experience his haunting and memorable sound.

Education

Hawkins' early education was influenced heavily by his musical surroundings, which included the church and community events where he was exposed to gospel and blues music. He later pursued formal education and initially enrolled in the Richmond, Virginia's high school. Although he studied various artistic endeavors, it was clear that music was always his true passion.

In 2025, Screamin' Jay Hawkins stands as a monumental figure in the annals of music history, with his influences and contributions continually celebrated across genres and platforms.

Three months after World War II ended, he dropped out of East Technical High School and joined the US Army with a forged birth certificate (aged 16). He was stationed at Fort Bliss. During this time, he entertained the troops as part of his service. Hawkins was an avid boxer during his years in the US Army boxing circuit.

He later claimed that he won several boxing titles; however, there is no record of his wins. He also told friends and reporters various embellished stories about attending Yale University and the University of Cincinnati Conservatory. Additionally, he claimed he fought in World War II and the Korean War and killed enemy combatants.