Stevie Hawkins is an artist whose career spans blues, soul, jazz, rock, country, R&B, and funk. Known for his powerhouse vocals and dynamic drumming, he has earned acclaim as a performer, songwriter, producer, and bandleader—a true craftsman whose music effortlessly bridges eras and genres.
Stevie Hawkins is a Blues Hall of Fame “Legendary Blues Artist” Inductee—honored for lifetime contributions to the art and tradition of blues music. He was formally recognized by the Recording Academy for his participation in The Rolling Stones’ GRAMMY-winning album, Blue & Lonesome. He has won 48 independent music awards across blues, pop, rock, and jazz categories. He has toured playing drums for iconic blues and soul artists including Albert King, Leon Russell, Gregg Allman, Percy Sledge, John Lee Hooker, and Rufus Thomas.
Stevie Hawkins’ live shows are electrifying and soulful, blending technical mastery with a deep connection to the spirit of American roots music. Whether behind the drums or at the microphone, Stevie Hawkins embodies the essence of a timeless artist—carrying the legacy of the greats while creating music that feels fresh, authentic, and alive today.
With “A Song for You” out now, we took some time to hear from Stevie Hawkins. Read below to learn more about Stevie Hawkins, the story behind “A Song for You,” and what’s to come.
Stream “A Song for You” here: https://open.spotify.com/track/425z4W7wBracQcAsOoX4eI
Hi Stevie Hawkins! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
It was suggested early in my career that I use my middle name as my brand. It felt like a simple yet effective choice, creating a personal connection while still being distinct and memorable. Using my middle name allowed me to keep things authentic while also making it easier for people to remember and relate to my work.
What city are you from, and where are you based now?
I am originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, and now based in Atlanta, Georgia.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?
It was in 1964, when I saw The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show. That moment was absolutely electric. Something just clicked—I knew right then that music was what I wanted to do. It wasn’t just exciting; it felt like a calling.
How did you get started?
I actually started playing drums by ear when I was just 7 years old. It wasn’t until I was 13 that I began taking private lessons with Chet Hedgecoth, a jazz drummer and high school band director in Knoxville, Tennessee. What’s really interesting is that Chet had also played in some of the jazz bands where my mother sang, so there was this amazing continuity in the music that shaped me from an early age.
I began playing professionally in nightclubs on weekends when I was 15, largely thanks to my mother. From time to time, she would take me to her gigs to show me how professionals played and sang live, and sometimes I’d even sit in on songs, getting a feel for playing alongside experienced musicians onstage. Her guidance and encouragement gave me both the inspiration and the foundation to start my own journey in music.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
My sound is a blend of blues, rock, soul, old school R&B, and a touch of light jazz. It’s rooted in classic influences but with a personal twist. I like to think of it as music that tells a story—rhythmic, emotional, and always grounded in feel-good grooves and real-life experiences.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music?
At this point in life and career, I do not have any hobbies to speak of. I spend most of my free time doing creative things related to music.
What do you do to stay creative?
I stay creative by keeping my eyes and ears open to inspiration at all times. It might come from a sound, a phrase, a moment, or even a feeling that sparks something new. I also make it a point to immerse myself fully in whatever project I’m working on—because once I’m in that creative flow, new ideas naturally branch out from the process. One creation often leads to another, and that continuous motion keeps the creative energy alive and evolving.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
As a vocalist, I’ve always been inspired by so many greats—Ray Charles, James Brown, George Jones, Tony Bennett, Merle Haggard, Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Sarah Vaughan, Bobby Bland, Howlin’ Wolf, and Patsy Cline—and the list goes on.
As a drummer, I’ve looked up to players like Buddy Rich (I received private drum lessons from Buddy in 1977), Danny Seraphine, Louie Bellson, Jack DeJohnette, Willie Steele, Clyde Stubblefield, Billy Cobham, Clive Bunker, Barrimore Barlow, Mitch Mitchell, Joe Morello, Lenny White, Steve Gadd, and a whole lot of others who really shaped my sense of groove and dynamics.
And when it comes to bands, my influences are all over the map—The Isley Brothers, Sly & The Family Stone, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report, Stuff, the Cate Brothers, the Allman Brothers Band, the Charlie Daniels Band, Yes, Crosby, Stills & Nash, ZZ Top, Frank Zappa, Jethro Tull, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Beatles, Humble Pie, Chicago, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Cold Blood…honestly, there are too many to name.
Who are some of the major recording artists that you have performed with over your career?
I’ve had the opportunity to play drums for a wide range of incredible artists over my career. In the blues world, I’ve played with masters like Albert King, John Lee Hooker, and James Cotton. In soul, I’ve shared the stage with legends such as Percy Sledge, Rufus Thomas, and Brook Benton. I’ve also performed with rock and roll icons like Chuck Berry, Leon Russell, and Gregg Allman, and with country stars including Johnny Rodriguez, Daryle Singletary, and Jeff Carson. On top of all that, I even had the unique experience of performing on drums with the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus band in the early 1970s!
Who would be your dream music collaboration?
My dream music collaboration would be to write a song with and play drums for Mavis Staples. She’s an icon whose voice carries so much history, soul, and truth—every note she sings is filled with emotion and purpose. To create music with her would be an incredible opportunity to connect with that legacy, contribute to something timeless, and explore the depths of gospel, soul, and blues in a way that only she can inspire. It would be both an honor and a creative adventure unlike anything else.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
Being inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame as a Legendary Blues Artist on April 14th, 2024, stands as the proudest moment in my career for several reasons.
First, it’s the ultimate recognition from within the very community that shaped me—the artists, musicians, and fans that live and breathe the blues. It’s one thing to make music, but to be honored by the people who truly understand the heart and history behind it is something deeply meaningful.
Second, it validates decades of hard work, perseverance, and passion—all the late nights on the road, the countless sessions, and the unwavering commitment to keeping the blues alive while still making it my own. This honor tells me that what I’ve poured my life into has resonated and contributed to the legacy of the genre.
It’s also personal. The blues has always been about authenticity and truth—about telling stories that come from lived experience. To be recognized as a Legendary Blues Artist feels like a full-circle moment, not just professionally, but spiritually. It affirms that the path I’ve walked—every high and low—has meant something beyond myself.
And finally, it’s a reminder that the music endures. Being part of the Blues Hall of Fame connects me to the greats who inspired me in the first place, and it encourages me to keep inspiring others to carry the torch forward.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
Over the course of a career, a musician learns countless lessons—not just about music, but also about life itself. One of the greatest lessons is patience—understanding that mastery takes time, and growth never stops. You learn to listen more deeply, not only to the notes but also to the emotion behind them and to the people you’re creating with.
Another important lesson is humility. No matter how skilled you become, there’s always something new to learn and someone who can teach you. The music always comes first, and staying grounded keeps you connected to its truth and to why you started in the first place.
You also learn resilience—how to handle rejection, long nights and days, setbacks, and the ever-changing nature of the industry without losing your passion. Every challenge becomes part of your sound and your story; every experience adds depth to your playing and your perspective.
And perhaps the most profound lesson is gratitude. To make music, share it with others, and touch people’s hearts is a gift. You realize that success isn’t just about fame or awards—it’s about connection, legacy, and doing what you love with honesty and soul.
Now onto “A Song for You.” What inspired you to make this cover song?
I was inspired by a calling from the universe to record “A Song for You.” It felt like the right moment—almost as if the song was reaching out to me. I’ve always been deeply moved by Leon Russell’s songwriting; there’s such honesty and vulnerability in that song. It speaks to the heart of what it means to be an artist—to love, to live, and to share your soul through music.
Part of that inspiration also came from my personal connection with Leon. I had the honor of playing drums for him on his 1974 summer tour and again at shows in the 1980s. Seeing his artistry up close, night after night, gave me a lifelong appreciation for the sincerity and emotion he brought to everything he did.
When the time came to record “A Song for You,” I felt I’d finally lived enough to bring my own truth to it. It became a full-circle moment—a way to honor Leon, to thank him for the influence he had on my journey, and to let the music express what words alone never could.
How does your rendition of “A Song for You” differ from the original?
My rendition of “A Song for You” differs from Leon’s in that it’s filtered through my own experiences and perspective. Leon’s version is raw and deeply personal, and I have immense respect for that, but when I approach the song, I bring my own emotional journey to it—everything I’ve lived, the people I’ve loved, and the challenges I’ve faced as a musician.
Musically, I also put my own stamp on it. My background as a drummer and vocalist influences the phrasing, the groove, and the dynamics in a way that’s unique to me. I aim to honor the heart of the song while letting it breathe in a way that reflects my voice, my style, and the life I’ve lived since first hearing it.
In essence, it’s still Leon’s masterpiece, but it carries my story within it, creating a dialogue between his original vision and my own interpretation.
What was the creative process like when making “A Song for You?”
When making “A Song for You,” the creative process was really about connection and chemistry. Working with Rusty Holloway and Levi Adelman brought the song to life in such an organic, deeply musical way. Rusty on bass and Levi on piano laid the foundation—Rusty’s tone and feel are so solid yet sensitive; he doesn’t just play notes, he breathes with the song. Levi added that emotional touch on the keys—spacious, tasteful, and perfectly in sync with the mood we were chasing.
Because of the way they played, I didn’t have to worry about structure or timing—it was all already there. That freedom let me fully inhabit the song as a vocalist. I could phrase lines naturally, let the emotion guide me, and trust that they were right there with me every step of the way. Their musicianship created a space where I could be vulnerable and expressive, singing not just over the track but with it. That kind of chemistry is rare, and it’s what made the performance feel truly alive. The Loudermilk Chambers added the finishing air and color with his string and horn arrangement.
How long did it take to complete “A Song for You?”
It took about a month to actually get the track completely recorded, mixed, mastered, and ready for release due to the shuffling schedules for mixing and mastering.
What do you hope fans take away from “A Song for You” and your music in general?
What I hope fans take away from “A Song for You”—and from my music in general—is a sense of honesty and connection. I want them to feel the emotion behind every note and every lyric and know that it’s coming from a real place. Music has the power to move people, to heal, and to make them feel less alone, and that’s what I strive for in every performance.
I also hope they recognize the joy and soul in the music—that it’s not just about technique or showmanship, but about sharing life’s stories and emotions. Ultimately, I want listeners to leave with something that stays with them, a feeling or memory that resonates long after the song ends.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
I’ll be releasing a new blues single in late November or early December, which I’m really excited about. Then, starting in early January, I’ll begin writing new music with my partner, Charlotte Hannon, for my new soul/blues EP/album. I’ve actually begun formulating song concepts for the record over the past couple of months and will continue until it feels right to select the strongest tracks to record.
I’m taking a break from touring for a while, so I can focus entirely on production and give this new project the attention it deserves. It’s an exciting time, and I can’t wait to share the music and the journey with my fans as it comes together.
Where can we follow you on social media?
Folks can find me at my website: https://steviehawkins.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevie.hawkins.98
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/emphasisrecords
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
