Screamin' Jay Hawkins

I was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 18th, 1929, as Jalacy Hawkins,
but people cally me Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. I was an African American
singer famed for my wildly theatrical performances.I originally set out to become an opera singer, but was unable to do
so and began my career as a conventional blues singer and pianist.I served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Ocean during World War II,
primarily as an entertainer I was also an avid and formidable boxer:
in 1949, I was the middleweight boxing champion of Alaska.In 1951, I joined guitarist Tiny Grimes for a while, and recorded a
few songs with him. When I became a solo performer, I often
performed in a very stylish wardrobe, featuring leopard skins,
red leather and wild hats.I died on Febuary 12th, 2000... But my music and influence lives on.