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Erskine Hawkins

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Musician

The Resume

    (July 26, 1914-November 11, 1993)
    Born in Birmingham, Alabama
    Trumpeter and bandleader
    Recorded the songs 'Tuxedo Junction,' 'After Hours' and 'Tippin' In'

Why he might be annoying:

    He started on drums and trombone before moving to trumpet.
    He was touring New York City with the 'Bama State Collegians school band when he and the other musicians decided to go professional to earn more money.
    He cut his biggest hit, 'Tuxedo Junction,' solely to fill the leftover time at a recording session.
    Jazz critics accused him of grandstanding when he played.

Why he might not be annoying:

    His father died fighting in France during World War I.
    He was nicknamed 'the 20th Century Gabriel' for his flamboyant style and ability to hit high notes.
    He attracted a loyal following that let him keep his big band together until 1953, well after the heyday of the big bands.
    Since the mid-80s, his birthday has been celebrated in Birmingham with a 'Function at the Junction' in Erskine Hawkins Park located near the original Tuxedo Junction (a streetcar junction that had been the center of black nightlife in the city during the 20s).

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    For 2024, as of last weekly ranking, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2023, Out of 3 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 5 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 10 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 3 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 3 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 5 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 5 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 4 Votes: 75.00% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 7 Votes: 28.57% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 6 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 14 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 10 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 12 Votes: 58.33% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 23 Votes: 56.52% Annoying