Vinyl-a-Day #2: Ted Hawkins - Happy Hour (Rounder, 1985)

An enigmatic character to say the least, Hawkins received high praise from critics for his original songwriting which combined country, folk, southern spirituals and soul. Though his albums received positive reviews when finally released in the 80s after years of false starts and stints in prison, fame largely eluded Hawkins in the US, where he mostly busked on the boardwalk of Venice Beach. In the mid-80s, Hawkins moved to the UK where he enjoyed considerable commercial success. Hawkins returned to the US in the 90s but sadly passed away of a stroke at age 58 just after a high-profile and acclaimed album release on Geffen Records. Favorite cuts on Happy Hour:

Happy Hour

Cold and Bitter Tears:

Gypsy Woman: