Hey Bo Diddley: Rockin Rollin Ronnie Hawkins 58-61

One of R&R's most enduring, larger-than-life characters, the late Ronnie Hawkins earned himself many nicknames over the years, e. g. 'Rompin' Ronnie', 'Mr Dynamo', and 'The Hawk'. And although he had to calm it all down a bit after he'd turned eighty, he remained one of R&R's most dynamic live performers until his recent death, in May 2022. This compilation is drawn from Ronnie's days as a heads-down Rock & Roller at the outset of his long career, built around his singles issued between 1958-61, kicking off with his almost unfeasibly rare debut 45, 'Hey! Bo Diddley' b/w 'Love Me Like You Can'. Features his two big US hits 'Forty Days' and 'Mary Lou', the latter recorded with The Hawks, who would of course morph into The Band. Also included are further Canadian hits like 'Southern Love', 'Clara', 'The Ballad Of Caryl Chessman', 'Ruby Baby' and 'Cold, Cold Heart'.