Ronnie Hawkins: 
The Heart of Rock n Roll is Still Beating

Youngtown / March 2009

“Mr. Dynamo” Ronnie Hawkins will soon turn 75 but its clear that his heart of Rock n Roll is still beating.  I spent some time with Ronnie at his home on Stony Lake recently so as to catch-up on The Legend.  In spite of numerous health difficulties, Ronnie remains very much alive and kick-in.  He spoke of his ongoing love affair with Canada having moved to the great white north from Arkansas fifty years ago.  When asked about the most satisfying period of his career, Ronnie shared memories of his early days in the 1960’s working the Yonge Street strip in Toronto.  Most significant, he recalls forming his back-up band which of course would later become known as “The Band”.  Ronnie continues to credit his success to the numerous artists he had the privilege of working with over the years.  Still claiming to have never hit the big time, the Hawk was always glad to be working as an entertainer.  Today, most of Ronnie’s affairs are coordinated by his US based management company.  Performing isn’t out of the question but it happens less frequently with only select gigs being accepted.  Ronnie remains in touch with pals Kris Kristofferson, Garth Hudson, and others from “the day” but points out that many of his peers have sadly passed on.  Although hard to paraphrase and document, be assured that Ronnie Hawkins remains very much the performer with a wonderful sense of humour that is unparalleled.  He projects a positive attitude about the future and expresses much gratitude for his past.  Few people spend a life time living their dream never mind hanging with Rock n Roll Icons, Presidents and Prime Ministers… Hawkins has done it all but continues to be a good ol boy at heart.  As always, Ronnie is the real deal…what you see is truly what you get.  Keep on rockin Ronnie!  (See  ronniehawkins.com) Full audio taped interview / Youngtown archives