Product Description
Contents: A two-disc best-of and rare recordings collection from Screamin' Jay Hawkins, known as an eccentric figure in the blues world for his flamboyant fashion and performances! It includes his well-known hit "I Put a Spell on You," as well as an unreleased version of the song from before its official release. In addition, it features 15 tracks that are currently unavailable on CD, including his debut single released on Timely Records in 1954 and other unreleased material. This definitive collection fully showcases not only his unique, screaming opera-style vocals, but also his true charm as a powerful blues and soul singer. DISC 1 1. PORTRAIT OF A MAN 2. I FOUND MY WAY TO WINE 3. I IS 4. PLEASE TRY TO UNDERSTAND 5. NOT ANYMORE 6. IN MY FRONT ROOM 7. TAKE ME BACK 8. YOUR KIND OF LOVE 9. ARMPIT NO. 6 (Early Unrelesed version) 10. JUST DON?fT CARE 11. I HEAR VOICES 12. POOR FOLKS 13. THE PAST 14. BAPTIZE ME IN WINE 15. I PUT A SPELL ON YOU (Early Unrelesed version) DISC 2 1. I PUT A SPELL ON YOU 2. PAULINE 3. NITTY GRITTY 4. $10,000 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 5. DON?fT DECEIVE ME 6. WELL I TRIED 7. I FEEL ALRIGHT 8. GUESS WHO 9. SAME DAMN THING 10. WHAT A PRICE I MUST PAY 11. LIVE LOVE OR DIE 12. IT?fS ONLY MAKE BELIEVE 13. THE ROSE 14. HALF PAST ME Screamin' Jay Hawkins, whose real name was Jarathy Hawkins, was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1929. He enlisted in the Army at the age of 14 and served in World War II. In 1949, he became a professional boxing middleweight champion in Alaska. After his discharge in 1951, he made his first recording as a vocalist in the band of Philadelphia guitarist Tiny Grimes. In 1954, he made his solo debut with the single "Why Did You Waste My Time". In 1956, he signed with OKE Records and released "I Put a Spell on You," which became a massive hit, selling over a million copies. The song was covered by many artists, including CCR, Nina Simone, and The Animals, and became a standard. After that, he released unique songs such as "Constipation Blues," but he didn't have any major hits. However, his wild vocal style incorporating a unique operatic technique, along with his eccentric, devilish fashion and performances, made a strong impact and he was featured in various media such as movies and TV. He lived in France in his later years and passed away on February 12, 2000, at the age of 70. Media reviews and more: A 2-disc best and rare recording collection of Screamin' Jay Hawkins, known as an eccentric figure in the blues world with his eccentric fashion and performances!! Of course, it includes his well-known signature song "I Put a Spell on You," but the highlight is the unreleased version of the song from before its release. In addition, it includes 15 tracks that are currently unavailable on CD, such as his debut single released on Timely Records in 1954 and other unreleased recordings. This definitive album fully showcases not only his unique, screaming, operatic vocals, but also his inherent charm as a powerful blues and soul singer. (C)RS
