Ronald "Ronnie" Hawkins is an American rockabilly musician whose career has spanned more than half a century. His career began in Arkansas, where he was born and raised. He found success in Ontario, Canada, and he settled there for most of his life. He was one of the key players in the 1960s rock scene in Toronto. Hawkins has performed all across North America and recorded more than twenty-five albums.
Hawkins is also notable for his role as something of a talent scout and mentor. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of premiere backing musicians via his band, the Hawks. The most successful of those eventually formed the Band, while other musicians Hawkins had recruited provided went on to form Robbie Lane and the Disciples, Janis Joplin's Full Tilt Boogie Band, Crowbar, Bearfoot, and Skylark.
