George Hawkins Jr.
The bassist George Hawkins Jr., whose credits include recordings and live performances with members of Fleetwood Mac, John Fogerty, Loggins and Messina and many others, died October 26, 2018, at age 67, according to several posts on social media. The cause of death was cancer; the place of death was not reported.
Singer Christopher Cross posted on Facebook, “Rest In Peace, George Hawkins, Jr. Fine bass player and lovely person with whom I shared some great times. George worked with an amazing roster of artists and musicians. I was so fortunate to call him a friend.”
In a lengthy tribute, Kenny Loggins wrote, in part, “I could tell he was a really good bass player and singer, but what I remember most about George was his stage presence, his enthusiasm. I sensed he’d be a great addition to the new L&M band, but what I didn’t see coming was his wicked sense of humor, which would keep the road fun and, well, … interesting for years to come.”
Fogerty, with whom Hawkins played from 2004-6, noted Hawkins’ passing on his Facebook page and singer-musician Billy Burnette wrote, “George Hawkins Jr One of my best friends passed away yesterday! His light will shine forever in my life.”
Hawkins and Burnette were both members of Mick Fleetwood’s side project Mick Fleetwood’s Zoo, which released the album I’m Not Me in 1983.
Watch Hawkins perform with Jim Messina in 2016
George Hawkins Jr. (left) with John Fogerty
Other artists with whom Hawkins played include Lindsey Buckingham, the Monkees, Jimmy Webb, Delbert McClinton, Richard Marx, Boz Scaggs, Steve Perry, Al Jarreau, Dave Mason, Roger McGuinn, Stevie Nicks, Jimmy Reed, Big Mama Thornton, the Doobie Brothers, Don Felder, Christine McVie, Rickie Lee Jones, Dan Fogelberg, Tony Joe White, Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald, the Law (with Paul Rogers and Kenney Jones), Juice Newton, Robert Gordon, Firefall and others.
Related: Tony Joe White, one of the many artists with whom Hawkins played, died on Oct. 24
Hawkins also toured, since 1987, with the Japanese artist Eikichi Yazawa, Hawkins was set to tour with Yazawa again in 2017 when the bassist was diagnosed with cancer. A GoFundMe page was set up in order to raise funds for Hawkins’ medical expenses but unfortunately it fell short of its goal. The GoFundMe page noted, “As you know, George has led quite an extraordinary life wearing many hats as a touring musician for the last 40 + years. He has contributed creatively on scores of records, films, TV projects and innumerable live concerts globally as a world-class and respected bassist &vocalist who has worked with countless brilliant artists and musicians. His most fulfilling role is as a loving Father to four amazing young adults, Molly, Jenna, Jack & Uriah.”
Hawkins released a solo album, Every Dog Has Its Day, in 1996.
Watch Hawkins play “Down on the Corner” with John Fogerty in 2005
2 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationRest in peace George ❤ many memories from my childhood with Molly & Jenna on Laverne. You were a great friend to my mom as well.
I remember meeting George at The Sand Dollar in Ojai Ca. where we both performed. I was playing solo. George was playing with the Country Z Men. He was a great guy and a great musician. I just found out about his passing. Rest in peace my friend. Thanks for the memories and the excellent music!