Screamin’ Jay Hawkins was not your typical rock and roll star. He was a showman, a myth-maker, and a master of the macabre, whose one true hit, “I Put a Spell on You,” became a cultural touchstone, covered by a vast array of artists from Nina Simone to Marilyn Manson. This song, raw, visceral, and utterly unforgettable, cemented Hawkins’ place in music history, even if the man himself remained a figure shrouded in as much shadow as spotlight. Let’s delve into the bizarre and brilliant world of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and the enduring spell of his signature song.
Screamin' Jay Hawkins performing with intense emotion
Screamin’ Jay Hawkins was a walking contradiction, a self-proclaimed liar who nonetheless lived a life more outlandish than any fiction he could conjure. Born Jalacey Hawkins in Cleveland, Ohio, his early life is a blur of conflicting stories, many of which originated from the man himself. He claimed musical training at a non-existent Ohio Conservatory of Music and fabricated tales of wartime torture as a Japanese prisoner of war, despite army records placing him in service after WWII’s end. This penchant for exaggeration extended to his personal life, where he boasted of fathering anywhere from fifty-seven to seventy-five children, with thirty-three confirmed. This complex and often troubling personal history, marked by abandonment and mistreatment of women, cannot be ignored when examining the artist and his art.
Hawkins’ musical journey began in the Special Services during his military service, where he honed his skills on the saxophone. Upon his return to Cleveland, a chance encounter with pioneering rock and roll DJ Alan Freed led to a backstage meeting with Tiny Grimes, a jazz and R&B musician who dabbled in early rock and roll. Grimes, known for his kilted stage persona, hired Hawkins as a road manager and musician. It was with Grimes that Hawkins began to experiment with stage antics, foreshadowing the shock-rock theatrics that would define his solo career. He adopted the moniker “Screamin’ Jay Hawkins,” a name as flamboyant and unforgettable as his performances. Early recordings with Grimes reveal a singer trying to find his voice, initially mimicking the smoother R&B stylings of artists like Clyde McPhatter, a far cry from the guttural screams that would soon become his trademark.
Despite his growing stage presence, Hawkins’ early attempts to forge a solo career were fraught with challenges. A recording session with Ahmet Ertegun reportedly ended in a heated argument, and a stint opening for Fats Domino was cut short, allegedly due to Domino’s disapproval of Hawkins’ increasingly outrageous stage act. He bounced between labels, recording singles for Timely Records and Grand Records under both his birth name and stage name. These early solo recordings, while showcasing his developing vocal style, remained firmly rooted in the jump blues tradition, lacking the raw, untamed energy that would soon erupt.
The genesis of “I Put a Spell on You” is as murky and captivating as Hawkins himself. Reportedly written during a residency in Atlantic City, the song emerged from a personal crisis – a girlfriend leaving him after discovering his infidelities. In a conversation with a barmaid, Hawkins declared his intention to win her back, even if he had to “put a spell on her.” This offhand remark sparked the idea for the song, a desperate plea imbued with a dark, almost menacing undertone. The lyrics, simple yet potent, speak of obsessive love and a willingness to resort to supernatural means to reclaim a lost lover.
Hawkins recorded an initial version of “I Put a Spell on You” in late 1954 while with Grand Records. This unreleased version, while competent, lacks the chaotic energy and unhinged vocal performance that would define the iconic rendition. It wasn’t until he signed with Mercury Records and later OKeh Records, a subsidiary of Columbia, that the song would truly find its monstrous form.
In September 1956, at OKeh studios, producer Arnold Maxim sought to capture the raw, unrestrained energy of Hawkins’ stage shows. Maxim, recognizing that the band sounded too “staid” in the studio, decided to loosen things up – literally. Crates of beer and fried chicken were brought in, transforming the recording session into a raucous party. As the musicians, including Hawkins, became increasingly intoxicated, Maxim started recording. The result was nothing short of electrifying.
The 1956 recording of “I Put a Spell on You” is a masterpiece of controlled chaos. Hawkins’ vocals are a primal scream, a guttural howl punctuated by grunts, moans, and maniacal laughter. The band, fueled by alcohol and adrenaline, churns out a frenzied, blues-infused backing track that perfectly complements Hawkins’ unhinged performance. This version, a far cry from the relatively tame unreleased recording, is the one that seared itself into the public consciousness, becoming synonymous with Screamin’ Jay Hawkins.
Despite its raw power and undeniable impact, “I Put a Spell on You” was initially met with resistance. Many radio stations, deeming it too wild and suggestive, refused to play it. However, the song gained traction through word-of-mouth and the support of Alan Freed, who booked Hawkins as the headline act for his Christmas show in 1956. Freed’s idea to have Hawkins emerge from a coffin at the start of his performance, initially met with horror by Hawkins, became a defining element of his shock-rock persona.
Hawkins’ stage show, inspired by the macabre imagery of horror films and voodoo mythology, became as integral to his career as his music. Emerging from a coffin, brandishing a skull on a stick named Henry, and draped in capes and animal skins, Hawkins transformed his performances into theatrical spectacles. He became known as “the black Vincent Price,” influencing generations of shock-rock artists, including Alice Cooper and The Cramps.
The controversy surrounding Hawkins extended beyond his stage show. The NAACP and other civil rights groups criticized him for perpetuating negative stereotypes of black people through his association with voodoo and cannibalistic imagery. Hawkins, however, remained defiant, viewing the NAACP’s criticism as an impediment to his livelihood. This tension between artistic expression, racial stereotypes, and societal expectations further complicated Hawkins’ already complex legacy.
Despite the controversy and initial radio resistance, “I Put a Spell on You” became a hit, reportedly selling over a million copies, although it never charted nationally. Its impact transcended chart success, becoming a cultural touchstone and a favorite for cover versions. The song’s raw emotion and theatricality resonated with artists across genres.
The song experienced a resurgence in the 1960s, fueled by Nina Simone’s haunting and soulful rendition in 1965, which reached the top 30 in the US charts. Simultaneously, Hawkins was rediscovered in the UK, becoming a legend in British blues circles. British Invasion bands like The Animals, Manfred Mann, and Them (featuring Van Morrison) all recorded versions of “I Put a Spell on You,” further solidifying its iconic status. Alan Price’s organ-driven rendition in 1966 became a top ten hit in the UK, introducing the song to a new generation of listeners.
The enduring appeal of “I Put a Spell on You” lies in its primal energy and emotional rawness. It’s a song that taps into deep-seated human emotions – desire, obsession, and a hint of darkness. The various cover versions, each interpreting the song through their own artistic lens, attest to its versatility and timelessness. From Nina Simone’s soulful lament to Marilyn Manson’s industrial-tinged aggression, “I Put a Spell on You” proves to be a remarkably adaptable and enduring song.
A jukebox displaying song titles, symbolizing musical history
Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ career after “I Put a Spell on You” was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. While he never replicated the mainstream success of his signature song, he remained a captivating live performer and a cult figure. His personal life continued to be tumultuous, marked by addiction, financial struggles, and a string of marriages. Despite his flaws and self-destructive tendencies, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins left an indelible mark on music history. “I Put a Spell on You” remains his testament, a wild, untamed, and utterly spellbinding song that continues to captivate and bewitch listeners decades after its creation. It’s a song that embodies the chaotic energy of early rock and roll and the enduring power of raw emotion, forever casting its spell on the world.
