Hawkins plays the blues

Like many teens, Hawkins was dabbling in music playing guitar, mandolin, banjo and more when he discovered his true musical calling. Although he really was into the blues, his introduction to the Rev. Gary Davis’ “Let Us Get Together” sealed his love for the format and Davis’ style of playing — the East Coast Piedmont and Texas steel string-finger picking style.

“When I was out of high school, I left for New York City to meet Gary Davis,” said Hawkins. “He’s where I got my whole style.”

And he never looked back. After soaking up as much knowledge from Davis as possible, Hawkins returned to his home state of Pennsylvania, earned a college degree and kept on playing the blues. In a way, Hawkins juggled two callings. One was in phenomenological psychology — he earned a doctorate in the discipline — and the other is that of blues musician.

Not long after he received his doctorate, he decided to dedicate his professional life to blues becoming nationally recognized as a virtuoso player who has shared stages with such legendary players as Lemon Jefferson, Funny Papa Smith, Henry Thomas and Lightnin’ Hopkins.

Although he’s taken cues from many blues luminaries, it was Davis’ playing and advice — such as urging the fledgling Hawkins not to perform until he had his music down to an art form — that truly guided his career.

“When I was in Dallas for graduate school, I’d [play with] all kinds of players, anyone who had a good style,” said Hawkins. “That really helped broaden my style.”

Although Hawkins has a fondness for many types of music, he said that he has always gravitated to the less well known musical styles. That, too, is a way of giving back to the community.

“I’ve always been interested in the older players,” said Hawkins who is now very involved in the music of Louis Armstrong and others. “It’s important to keep their music alive.”