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{{Short description|English keyboardist}}
{{Short description|British keyboardist (1940–2024)}}
{{Sources|date=May 2024}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{BLP sources|date=June 2010}}
{{Tone|date=December 2015}}}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = John Hawken
| name = John Hawken
| image = John_hawken_2008 (cropped).jpg
| image = John_hawken_2008 (cropped).jpg
|caption=Hawken in 2008
| birth_name = John Christopher Hawken
| birth_name = John Christopher Hawken
| alias =
| alias =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1940|5|9}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|1940|05|09|df=y}}
| origin = [[Bournemouth]], England
| birth_place = [[Bournemouth]], England
| death_date = {{death date and age|2024|05|15|1940|05|09|df=y}}
| death_place = [[Metuchen, New Jersey]], U.S.
| instrument = {{hlist|Keyboards}}
| instrument = {{hlist|Keyboards}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[Rhythm and Blues]]|[[Rock music|rock]]|[[progressive rock]]}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[Rhythm and blues]]|[[Rock music|rock]]|[[progressive rock]]}}
| occupation = Musician
| occupation = Musician
| years_active = 1960–present
| years_active = 1960–2008, 2011, 2019
| label = [[A&M Records|A&M]]
| past_member_of = {{hlist|[[The Nashville Teens]]|[[Spooky Tooth]]|[[Third World War (band)|Third World War]]|[[Strawbs]]|[[Vinegar Joe (band)|Vinegar Joe]]|[[Renaissance (band)|Renaissance]]|[[Illusion (band)|Illusion]]}}
| past_member_of = {{hlist|[[The Nashville Teens]]|[[Spooky Tooth]]|[[Third World War (band)|Third World War]]|[[Strawbs]]|[[Vinegar Joe (band)|Vinegar Joe]]|[[Renaissance (band)|Renaissance]]|[[Illusion (band)|Illusion]]}}
| website =
| website =
}}
}}


'''John Christopher Hawken''' is an English keyboard player, best known as a member of [[The Nashville Teens]], [[Renaissance (band)|Renaissance]] and the [[Strawbs]]. He also played in [[Spooky Tooth]], [[Third World War (band)|Third World War]], [[Vinegar Joe (band)|Vinegar Joe]], [[Illusion (UK band)|Illusion]], as well as being a [[session musician]].
'''John Christopher Hawken''' (9 May 1940 – 15 May 2024) was an English keyboard player, best known as a member of [[The Nashville Teens]], [[Renaissance (band)|Renaissance]], and the [[Strawbs]]. He also played in [[Spooky Tooth]], [[Third World War (band)|Third World War]], [[Vinegar Joe (band)|Vinegar Joe]] and [[Illusion (UK band)|Illusion]], as well as being a [[session musician]].


==Background==
== Biography ==
Hawken was trained in classical piano from the ages of 5 until 18, prompted by his mother Dorothy Constance Hawken who was formally trained as both a pianist and painter from an early age and passed on her passion for the arts to her oldest child. He soon acquired a taste for [[Rock and Roll]] and in 1960, joined his first rock band – the Cruisers Rock Combo. The band included future Renaissance guitarist [[Michael Dunford]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Welcome to JohnHawken.com |url=http://johnhawken.com/welcome.html |website= |access-date=25 April 2022 |date=4 February 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050204024719/http://johnhawken.com/welcome.html |archive-date=4 February 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
Hawken was born 9 May 1940 in [[Bournemouth]], England. He trained in classical piano from the age of 5 until 18, prompted by his mother Dorothy Constance Hawken, who was formally trained as both a pianist and painter from an early age. He took an interest in [[rock and roll]] and, in 1960, joined his first rock band – the Cruisers Rock Combo. The band included future Renaissance guitarist Michael Dunford.<ref name="welcome">{{cite web |title=Welcome to JohnHawken.com |url=http://johnhawken.com/welcome.html |website= |access-date=25 April 2022 |date=4 February 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050204024719/http://johnhawken.com/welcome.html |archive-date=4 February 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Nashville Teens==
=== Nashville Teens ===
In 1962, The Cruisers Rock Combo were joined by singers Ray Phillips and Arthur Sharp to form [[The Nashville Teens]]. John Allen soon joined on lead guitar after Dunford's departure, and Terry Crowe joined as a third singer. This line-up turned professional in 1963 and went to Germany (as many English bands did at that time) to play in the clubs (including [[Hamburg]]'s [[Star-Club]]).
In 1962, The Cruisers Rock Combo were joined by singers Ray Phillips and Arthur Sharp to form [[The Nashville Teens]]. John Allen soon joined on lead guitar after Dunford's departure, and Terry Crowe joined as a third singer. This line-up turned professional in 1963 and went to Germany to play in the clubs (including [[Hamburg]]'s [[Star-Club]]).


In 1964 (now minus Terry Crowe and with Barry Jenkins on drums) The Nashville Teens signed a management contract and recorded "[[Tobacco Road (song)|Tobacco Road]]," at the same time touring with [[Chuck Berry]] and [[Carl Perkins]] on their first tour of England. "I was delighted to be playing piano for both of them, in addition to playing the Nashville Teens set",<ref>{{cite web |title=Welcome to JohnHawken.com |url=http://johnhawken.com/welcome.html |website= |access-date=25 April 2022 |date=4 February 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050204024719/http://johnhawken.com/welcome.html |archive-date=4 February 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref> said Hawken. The band went to the US in late 1964 to play the "Murray the K" Christmas show at the Fox Theater in [[Brooklyn]] and subsequently toured extensively in England and Europe.
In 1964 (now minus Terry Crowe and with Barry Jenkins on drums) The Nashville Teens signed a management contract and recorded "[[Tobacco Road (song)|Tobacco Road]]", at the same time touring with [[Chuck Berry]] and [[Carl Perkins]] on their first tour of England. "I was delighted to be playing piano for both of them, in addition to playing the Nashville Teens set",<ref name="welcome" /> said Hawken. The band went to the US in late 1964 to play the "Murray the K" Christmas show at the Fox Theater in [[Brooklyn]] and subsequently toured extensively in England and Europe.


Peter Harris left the group in 1966 and was replaced on bass by Neil Korner, formerly of [[The New Vaudeville Band]]. Neil and John Hawken also worked together from time to time in a popular London pick-up band, Frankie Reid & The Powerhouse, which also featured [[Dana Gillespie]] on vocals and occasionally, the saxophone section from [[Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers|Cliff Bennett's Rebel Rousers]], plus John Knightsbridge on guitar (later of Illusion).{{Citation needed|date=April 2022}}
Peter Harris left the group in 1966 and was replaced on bass by Neil Korner, formerly of [[The New Vaudeville Band]]. Neil and John Hawken also worked together from time to time in a popular London pick-up band, Frankie Reid & The Powerhouse, which also featured [[Dana Gillespie]] on vocals and occasionally, the saxophone section from [[Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers|Cliff Bennett's Rebel Rousers]], plus John Knightsbridge on guitar (later of Illusion).{{Citation needed|date=April 2022}}


Although subsequent records failed to equal the success of "Tobacco Road," the band worked steadily until Hawken moved on late in 1968.
Although subsequent records failed to equal the success of "Tobacco Road", the band worked steadily until Hawken moved on late in 1968.


==Renaissance==
=== Renaissance ===
In late 1968 former [[The Yardbirds|Yardbird]] [[Chris Dreja]], John Hawken and steel player [[B. J. Cole|Brian (B.J.) Cole]] were going to form a country-rock band, to be managed by Peter Grant and produced by [[Mickey Most]], but they never got beyond the rehearsal stage. Dreja, aware that his former Yardbirds colleagues [[Jim McCarty]] and [[Keith Relf]] were putting together a new band, suggested Hawken as a possible member. In early 1969 Hawken got a telephone call from McCarty asking if he was interested in the new project. Hawken turned up at McCartys' house in [[Thames Ditton]], along with bass player [[Louis Cennamo]], Dreja and Cole. Cole and Dreja subsequently dropped out of the project.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Leroy |first1=Aymeric |title=From Renaissance to Illusion —A Profile of the Relf / McCarty Renaissance |url=http://www.expose.org/index.php/articles/display/from-renaissance-to-illusion-a-profile-of-the-relf-mccarty-renaissance.html |website=Exposé Online |access-date=25 April 2022}}</ref>
In late 1968 former [[The Yardbirds|Yardbird]] [[Chris Dreja]], John Hawken and [[Pedal steel guitar|pedal steel guitarist]] [[B. J. Cole|Brian (B.J.) Cole]] were going to form a country-rock band, to be managed by [[Peter Grant (music manager)|Peter Grant]] and produced by [[Mickie Most]], but they never got beyond the rehearsal stage. Dreja, aware that his former Yardbirds colleagues [[Jim McCarty]] and [[Keith Relf]] were putting together a new band, suggested Hawken as a possible member. In early 1969 Hawken got a telephone call from McCarty asking if he was interested in the new project. Hawken turned up at McCarty's house in [[Thames Ditton]], along with bass player [[Louis Cennamo]], Dreja and Cole. Cole and Dreja subsequently dropped out of the project.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Leroy |first1=Aymeric |title=From Renaissance to Illusion —A Profile of the Relf / McCarty Renaissance |url=http://www.expose.org/index.php/articles/display/from-renaissance-to-illusion-a-profile-of-the-relf-mccarty-renaissance.html |website=Exposé Online |access-date=25 April 2022}}</ref>


A short time later [[Jane Relf]] joined on vocals and Renaissance was born, with a line-up of Keith and Jane Relf, McCarty, Hawken and Cennamo. The band's [[Renaissance (Renaissance album)|self-titled debut album]] was released in October 1969, followed by an American tour in early 1970. During the recording of the band's second album, Keith Relf, McCarty, and Cennamo departed. Hawken formed a new lineup of the band with former Nashville Teens members Terry Crowe, Michael Dunford, and Neil Korner, as well as session drummer Terry Slade. After a European tour, Jane Relf left to be replaced by American singer Binky Cullom.
A short time later [[Jane Relf]] joined on vocals and Renaissance was born, with a line-up of Keith and Jane Relf, McCarty, Hawken and Cennamo. The band's [[Renaissance (Renaissance album)|self-titled debut album]] was released in October 1969, followed by an American tour in early 1970. During the recording of the band's second album, Keith Relf, McCarty, and Cennamo departed. Hawken formed a new lineup of the band with former Nashville Teens members Terry Crowe, Michael Dunford, and Neil Korner, as well as session drummer Terry Slade. After a European tour, Jane Relf left to be replaced by American singer Binky Cullom.


Hawken was contacted by [[Spooky Tooth]] in October 1970 with an offer to join the band. Hawken accepted, but before leaving Renaissance he helped his successor, John Tout, to integrate with the band.
Hawken was contacted by [[Spooky Tooth]] (an English rock band) in October 1970 with an offer to join the band. Hawken accepted, helping his successor in Renaissance, John Tout, to integrate with the band before leaving.


==After Renaissance==
=== After Renaissance ===
Hawken joined Spooky Tooth for a three-month European tour in support of their album [[The Last Puff]]. After the tour was complete, Spooky Tooth disbanded.
Hawken joined Spooky Tooth for a three-month European tour in support of their album ''[[The Last Puff]]''. After the tour was complete, Spooky Tooth disbanded.


In 1971, Hawken joined [[Third World War (band)|Third World War]]. Hawken recorded one album (the band's second release). The group also included John Knightsbridge on lead guitar, who would later join Hawken in Illusion.<ref name="NME Rock 'N' Roll Years">{{cite book
In 1971, Hawken joined [[Third World War (band)|Third World War]], with whom he recorded one album (the band's second release). The group also included John Knightsbridge on lead guitar, who would later join Hawken in Illusion.<ref name="NME Rock 'N' Roll Years">{{cite book |last=Tobler |first=John |title=NME Rock 'N' Roll Years |publisher=Reed International Books Ltd |location=London |edition=1st |year=1992 |page=242 |id=CN 5585}}</ref>
| first= John
| last= Tobler
| year= 1992
| title= NME Rock 'N' Roll Years
| edition= 1st
| publisher= Reed International Books Ltd
| location= London
| page= 242
| id= CN 5585}}</ref>


Hawken also worked as a session musician, playing on Spooky Tooth bandmate [[Luther Grosvenor]]'s solo album, as well as projects by [[Claire Hamill]] and [[The Sutherland Brothers]].
Hawken also worked as a session musician, playing on Spooky Tooth bandmate [[Luther Grosvenor]]'s solo album, as well as projects by [[Claire Hamill]] and [[The Sutherland Brothers]].


==Strawbs==
=== Strawbs ===
After a brief spell with [[Vinegar Joe (band)|Vinegar Joe]], whom he left in September 1972, Hawken joined the Strawbs in 1973. At his audition, [[Dave Cousins]] introduced Hawken to the [[mellotron]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baughn |first1=Amanda |title=A YOUNG PERSON'S INTRODUCTION TO "THE STRAWBS" |url=https://www.strawbsweb.co.uk/features/jh_ab.asp |website=www.strawbsweb.co.uk |access-date=25 April 2022}}</ref> During Hawken's tenure with the band they released two albums, [[Hero and Heroine]] and [[Ghosts (Strawbs album)|Ghosts]]. Tours included the US, Japan and Europe. In late 1975, Hawken left the band after disagreements over the more commercial direction that the other members wanted to go in.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Romano |first1=Will |title=Mountains Come Out of the Sky: The Illustrated History of Prog Rock |date=2010 |publisher=Backbeat}}</ref>
After a brief spell with [[Vinegar Joe (band)|Vinegar Joe]], whom he left in September 1972, Hawken joined the Strawbs in 1973. At his audition, [[Dave Cousins]] introduced Hawken to the [[mellotron]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Baughn |first=Amanda |title=A YOUNG PERSON'S INTRODUCTION TO "THE STRAWBS" |url=https://www.strawbsweb.co.uk/features/jh_ab.asp |website=Strawbsweb.co.uk |access-date=25 April 2022}}</ref> During Hawken's tenure with the band they released two albums, ''[[Hero and Heroine]]'' and ''[[Ghosts (Strawbs album)|Ghosts]]''. Tours included the US, Japan and Europe. In late 1975, Hawken left the band after disagreements over the more commercial direction that the other members wanted to go in.<ref>{{cite book |last=Romano |first=Will |title=Mountains Come Out of the Sky: The Illustrated History of Prog Rock |date=2010 |publisher=Backbeat}}</ref>


⚫
Hawken appeared briefly in the [[David Essex]] film ''[[That'll Be the Day (film)|That'll Be the Day]]'' (1973) as the keyboard player in the band led by Stormy Tempest ([[Billy Fury]]), which also featured [[Keith Moon]] on drums.
==Illusion==
⚫
In 1976, Hawken and the other original Renaissance members began to work on a reunion. After Keith Relf's death, the band was re-shuffled, bringing in John Knightsbridge on lead guitar and Eddie McNeill on drums, with McCarty sharing vocals with Jane Relf and also playing rhythm guitar. Unable, for legal reasons, to use the name Renaissance, they chose "Illusion" – which had been the title of their second album as Renaissance. The group recorded two albums, ''Out of the Mist'' and ''Illusion'', before disbanding in 1979. In 1990, a further album of unreleased material was released under the name ''Enchanted Caress''.


==United States==
=== Illusion ===
⚫
In 1976, Hawken and the other original Renaissance members began to work on a reunion. After Keith Relf's death, the band was re-shuffled, bringing in John Knightsbridge on lead guitar and Eddie McNeill on drums, with McCarty sharing vocals with Jane Relf and also playing rhythm guitar. Unable, for legal reasons, to use the name Renaissance, they chose "Illusion" – which had been the title of their second album as Renaissance. The group recorded two albums, ''Out of the Mist'' and ''Illusion'', before disbanding in 1979. In 1990, a further album of unreleased material was released under the name ''Enchanted Caress''.
⚫
On 29 October 1979, John, his wife Alexandra and sons Barnaby & Jody moved to the United States from the UK, and Hawken went into a temporary retirement from music.

=== Move to the United States ===
⚫
On 29 October 1979, John, his wife Alexandra and their sons Barnaby and Jody moved to the United States from the UK, and Hawken went into a temporary retirement from music.


In 2001, the surviving members of the original Renaissance – Jim McCarty, Jane Relf, Louis Cennamo and John Hawken – recorded and released the album ''Through the Fire'' under the band name 'Renaissance Illusion'.
In 2001, the surviving members of the original Renaissance – Jim McCarty, Jane Relf, Louis Cennamo and John Hawken – recorded and released the album ''Through the Fire'' under the band name 'Renaissance Illusion'.


In 2004 the ''Hero and Heroine'' Strawbs line-up reunited, and undertook a number of tours both in the US and Europe, recording two new albums: [[Deja Fou]] and [[The Broken Hearted Bride]].
In 2004 the ''Hero and Heroine'' Strawbs line-up reunited, and undertook a number of tours both in the US and Europe, recording two new albums: ''[[Deja Fou]]'' and ''[[The Broken Hearted Bride]]''.

On 26 June 2008, Hawken announced his retirement from touring.
On 26 June 2008, Hawken announced his retirement from touring.


In October 2011 Hawken came out of retirement to perform with [[Jim McCarty]] and [[Jann Klose]] at Hugh's Room and This Ain't Hollywood, [[Ontario]] for two [[Chamber Pop]] Summits. In 2019, he joined the Strawbs for their 50th anniversary show.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cuervo |first1=Judi |title=JOHN HAWKEN: Playing Both Sides at Strawbs 50th Anniversary Weekend with Judi Cuervo |url=https://strawbs50.com/john-hawken-playing-both-sides-at-strawbs-50th-anniversary-weekend-with-judi-cuervo/ |website=Strawbs 50th Anniversary |access-date=25 April 2022 |date=29 January 2019}}</ref>
In October 2011, Hawken came out of retirement to perform with Jim McCarty and [[Jann Klose]] at Hugh's Room and This Ain't Hollywood, [[Ontario]], for two [[Chamber Pop]] Summits. In 2019, he joined the Strawbs for their 50th anniversary show.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cuervo |first=Judi |title=JOHN HAWKEN: Playing Both Sides at Strawbs 50th Anniversary Weekend with Judi Cuervo |url=https://strawbs50.com/john-hawken-playing-both-sides-at-strawbs-50th-anniversary-weekend-with-judi-cuervo/ |website=Strawbs 50th Anniversary |access-date=25 April 2022 |date=29 January 2019}}</ref>


Hawken died from [[melanoma]] at his home in [[Metuchen, New Jersey]], on 15 May 2024, six days after his 84th birthday.<ref>{{cite news |title=John Hawken Passed Away |url=https://dmme.net/john-hawken-passed-away/ |access-date=17 May 2024 |publisher=Let It Rock |date=17 May 2024}}</ref>
==Screen appearances==
⚫
Hawken appeared briefly in the [[David Essex]] film, ''[[That'll Be The Day (film)|That'll Be The Day]]'' (1973) as the keyboard player in the band led by Stormy Tempest ([[Billy Fury]]), which also featured [[Keith Moon]] on drums.


== Discography ==
==Discography==
⚫
===The Nashville Teens===

⚫
=== The Nashville Teens ===
* 1964: ''Tobacco Road''
* 1964: ''Tobacco Road''


=== Renaissance ===
===Renaissance===
* 1969: [[Renaissance (Renaissance album)|Renaissance]]
* 1969: ''[[Renaissance (Renaissance album)|Renaissance]]''
* 1971: [[Illusion (Renaissance album)|Illusion]]
* 1971: ''[[Illusion (Renaissance album)|Illusion]]''


=== Third World War ===
===Third World War===
* 1972: ''Third World War II''
* 1972: ''Third World War II''


=== Strawbs ===
===Strawbs===
* 1974 : [[Hero and Heroine]]
* 1974: ''[[Hero and Heroine]]''
* 1975 : [[Ghosts (Strawbs album)|Ghosts]]
* 1975: ''[[Ghosts (Strawbs album)|Ghosts]]''
* 1995 : [[Strawbs in Concert]]
* 1995: ''[[Strawbs in Concert]]''
* 2004 : [[Déjà Fou]]
* 2004: ''[[Déjà Fou]]''
* 2005 : [[Live at Nearfest]]
* 2005: ''[[Live at Nearfest]]''
* 2008 : [[Lay Down with the Strawbs]]
* 2008: ''[[Lay Down with the Strawbs]]''
* 2008 : [[The Broken Hearted Bride]]
* 2008: ''[[The Broken Hearted Bride]]''
* 2020 : Live In Concert
* 2020: ''Live in Concert''


=== Illusion ===
===Illusion===
* 1977: ''Out of the mist''
* 1977: ''Out of the Mist''
* 1978: ''Illusion''
* 1978: ''Illusion''
* 1990: ''Enchanted Caress'' (Recorded in 1979, released in 1990)
* 1990: ''Enchanted Caress'' (recorded in 1979, released in 1990)
* 2001: ''Through the fire'' (Under the name "Renaissance Illusion")
* 2001: ''Through the Fire'' (under the name "Renaissance Illusion")


=== Collaborations ===
===Collaborations===
* 1971: [[Luther Grosvenor]] - ''Under Open Skies''
* 1971: [[Luther Grosvenor]] – ''Under Open Skies''
* 1971: [[Claire Hamill]] - ''One House Left Standing''
* 1971: [[Claire Hamill]] – ''One House Left Standing''
* 1972: [[The Sutherland Brothers]] - ''Lifeboat''
* 1972: [[The Sutherland Brothers]] – ''Lifeboat''
* 2007: The Smithereens - ''Meet The Smithereens!''
* 2007: The Smithereens – ''Meet the Smithereens!''
* 2018: [[Jim McCarty]] - ''Walking In The Wild Land''
* 2018: [[Jim McCarty]] – ''Walking in the Wild Land''


==References==
==References==
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080101030734/http://www.nlightsweb.com/ Northern Lights Renaissance website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080101030734/http://www.nlightsweb.com/ Northern Lights Renaissance website]
*{{IMDb name|name=John Hawken|id=1169032}}
*{{IMDb name|name=John Hawken|id=1169032}}
*[https://www.discogs.com/fr/artist/912730-John-Hawken Discogs.com entry]
*{{discogs artist|John Hawken}}


{{Strawbs}}
{{Strawbs}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Hawken, John}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hawken, John}}
[[Category:1940 births]]
[[Category:1940 births]]
[[Category:2024 deaths]]
[[Category:English keyboardists]]
[[Category:English keyboardists]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Musicians from Bournemouth]]
[[Category:People from Bournemouth]]
[[Category:English expatriate musicians in the United States]]
[[Category:English expatriates in the United States]]
[[Category:Strawbs members]]
[[Category:Strawbs members]]
[[Category:Renaissance (band) members]]
[[Category:Renaissance (band) members]]

Latest revision as of 07:32, 5 July 2024

John Hawken
Hawken in 2008
Hawken in 2008
Background information
Birth nameJohn Christopher Hawken
Born(1940-05-09)9 May 1940
Bournemouth, England
Died15 May 2024(2024-05-15) (aged 84)
Metuchen, New Jersey, U.S.
Genres
OccupationMusician
Instrument
  • Keyboards
Years active1960–2008, 2011, 2019
Formerly of

John Christopher Hawken (9 May 1940 – 15 May 2024) was an English keyboard player, best known as a member of The Nashville Teens, Renaissance, and the Strawbs. He also played in Spooky Tooth, Third World War, Vinegar Joe and Illusion, as well as being a session musician.

Biography

[edit]

Hawken was born 9 May 1940 in Bournemouth, England. He trained in classical piano from the age of 5 until 18, prompted by his mother Dorothy Constance Hawken, who was formally trained as both a pianist and painter from an early age. He took an interest in rock and roll and, in 1960, joined his first rock band – the Cruisers Rock Combo. The band included future Renaissance guitarist Michael Dunford.[1]

Nashville Teens

[edit]

In 1962, The Cruisers Rock Combo were joined by singers Ray Phillips and Arthur Sharp to form The Nashville Teens. John Allen soon joined on lead guitar after Dunford's departure, and Terry Crowe joined as a third singer. This line-up turned professional in 1963 and went to Germany to play in the clubs (including Hamburg's Star-Club).

In 1964 (now minus Terry Crowe and with Barry Jenkins on drums) The Nashville Teens signed a management contract and recorded "Tobacco Road", at the same time touring with Chuck Berry and Carl Perkins on their first tour of England. "I was delighted to be playing piano for both of them, in addition to playing the Nashville Teens set",[1] said Hawken. The band went to the US in late 1964 to play the "Murray the K" Christmas show at the Fox Theater in Brooklyn and subsequently toured extensively in England and Europe.

Peter Harris left the group in 1966 and was replaced on bass by Neil Korner, formerly of The New Vaudeville Band. Neil and John Hawken also worked together from time to time in a popular London pick-up band, Frankie Reid & The Powerhouse, which also featured Dana Gillespie on vocals and occasionally, the saxophone section from Cliff Bennett's Rebel Rousers, plus John Knightsbridge on guitar (later of Illusion).[citation needed]

Although subsequent records failed to equal the success of "Tobacco Road", the band worked steadily until Hawken moved on late in 1968.

Renaissance

[edit]

In late 1968 former Yardbird Chris Dreja, John Hawken and pedal steel guitarist Brian (B.J.) Cole were going to form a country-rock band, to be managed by Peter Grant and produced by Mickie Most, but they never got beyond the rehearsal stage. Dreja, aware that his former Yardbirds colleagues Jim McCarty and Keith Relf were putting together a new band, suggested Hawken as a possible member. In early 1969 Hawken got a telephone call from McCarty asking if he was interested in the new project. Hawken turned up at McCarty's house in Thames Ditton, along with bass player Louis Cennamo, Dreja and Cole. Cole and Dreja subsequently dropped out of the project.[2]

A short time later Jane Relf joined on vocals and Renaissance was born, with a line-up of Keith and Jane Relf, McCarty, Hawken and Cennamo. The band's self-titled debut album was released in October 1969, followed by an American tour in early 1970. During the recording of the band's second album, Keith Relf, McCarty, and Cennamo departed. Hawken formed a new lineup of the band with former Nashville Teens members Terry Crowe, Michael Dunford, and Neil Korner, as well as session drummer Terry Slade. After a European tour, Jane Relf left to be replaced by American singer Binky Cullom.

Hawken was contacted by Spooky Tooth (an English rock band) in October 1970 with an offer to join the band. Hawken accepted, helping his successor in Renaissance, John Tout, to integrate with the band before leaving.

After Renaissance

[edit]

Hawken joined Spooky Tooth for a three-month European tour in support of their album The Last Puff. After the tour was complete, Spooky Tooth disbanded.

In 1971, Hawken joined Third World War, with whom he recorded one album (the band's second release). The group also included John Knightsbridge on lead guitar, who would later join Hawken in Illusion.[3]

Hawken also worked as a session musician, playing on Spooky Tooth bandmate Luther Grosvenor's solo album, as well as projects by Claire Hamill and The Sutherland Brothers.

Strawbs

[edit]

After a brief spell with Vinegar Joe, whom he left in September 1972, Hawken joined the Strawbs in 1973. At his audition, Dave Cousins introduced Hawken to the mellotron.[4] During Hawken's tenure with the band they released two albums, Hero and Heroine and Ghosts. Tours included the US, Japan and Europe. In late 1975, Hawken left the band after disagreements over the more commercial direction that the other members wanted to go in.[5]

Hawken appeared briefly in the David Essex film That'll Be the Day (1973) as the keyboard player in the band led by Stormy Tempest (Billy Fury), which also featured Keith Moon on drums.

Illusion

[edit]

In 1976, Hawken and the other original Renaissance members began to work on a reunion. After Keith Relf's death, the band was re-shuffled, bringing in John Knightsbridge on lead guitar and Eddie McNeill on drums, with McCarty sharing vocals with Jane Relf and also playing rhythm guitar. Unable, for legal reasons, to use the name Renaissance, they chose "Illusion" – which had been the title of their second album as Renaissance. The group recorded two albums, Out of the Mist and Illusion, before disbanding in 1979. In 1990, a further album of unreleased material was released under the name Enchanted Caress.

Move to the United States

[edit]

On 29 October 1979, John, his wife Alexandra and their sons Barnaby and Jody moved to the United States from the UK, and Hawken went into a temporary retirement from music.

In 2001, the surviving members of the original Renaissance – Jim McCarty, Jane Relf, Louis Cennamo and John Hawken – recorded and released the album Through the Fire under the band name 'Renaissance Illusion'.

In 2004 the Hero and Heroine Strawbs line-up reunited, and undertook a number of tours both in the US and Europe, recording two new albums: Deja Fou and The Broken Hearted Bride.

On 26 June 2008, Hawken announced his retirement from touring.

In October 2011, Hawken came out of retirement to perform with Jim McCarty and Jann Klose at Hugh's Room and This Ain't Hollywood, Ontario, for two Chamber Pop Summits. In 2019, he joined the Strawbs for their 50th anniversary show.[6]

Hawken died from melanoma at his home in Metuchen, New Jersey, on 15 May 2024, six days after his 84th birthday.[7]

Discography

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The Nashville Teens

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  • 1964: Tobacco Road

Renaissance

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Third World War

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  • 1972: Third World War II

Strawbs

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Illusion

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  • 1977: Out of the Mist
  • 1978: Illusion
  • 1990: Enchanted Caress (recorded in 1979, released in 1990)
  • 2001: Through the Fire (under the name "Renaissance Illusion")

Collaborations

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Welcome to JohnHawken.com". 4 February 2005. Archived from the original on 4 February 2005. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
  2. ^ Leroy, Aymeric. "From Renaissance to Illusion —A Profile of the Relf / McCarty Renaissance". Exposé Online. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
  3. ^ Tobler, John (1992). NME Rock 'N' Roll Years (1st ed.). London: Reed International Books Ltd. p. 242. CN 5585.
  4. ^ Baughn, Amanda. "A YOUNG PERSON'S INTRODUCTION TO "THE STRAWBS"". Strawbsweb.co.uk. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
  5. ^ Romano, Will (2010). Mountains Come Out of the Sky: The Illustrated History of Prog Rock. Backbeat.
  6. ^ Cuervo, Judi (29 January 2019). "JOHN HAWKEN: Playing Both Sides at Strawbs 50th Anniversary Weekend with Judi Cuervo". Strawbs 50th Anniversary. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
  7. ^ "John Hawken Passed Away". Let It Rock. 17 May 2024. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
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