Artist description Michael Hawkes is a singer & songwriter, who plays guitar and piano

Music Style Acoustic Rock - Rock - Folk

Artist History I started playing guitar when I was about nine. I watched Elvis Presleymovies, and played his records over and over. I would stand in front ofour living room window; dressed in scarves, a white jump suit, and mySears Junior Acoustic, and put on shows for the neighbor kids. I canremember spending hours listening to Johnny Cash, Chet Atkins, and theBeatles. I'm not sure just where I got them, but I was given a verylarge record collection when I was very young. Listening to them was myfavorite thing to do as a kid.As I got older I discovered the electric guitar, (thanks to Eddie VanHalen). From about twelve years to seventeen years old, I was convincedI was going to be a rock star. After reality set in, and the world ofwork and responsibility closed in around me, I gave up on any dreams oflong hair and power chords. I sold all my electric gear when I gotmarried, and purchased a respectable acoustic, an Ibanez Lonestar. Istarted to listen to new influences during this period. John Denver, LeoKottke, Jim Croce, Ry Cooder; They showed me the possibilities theacoustic guitar held. I found that sitting with my guitar and writingsongs was something I truly loved.For a number of years, I would write a bunch of tunes, throw 'em ontape, and give the family copies. There came a time though, whenfinancial matters took precedence, and I sold my guitar. A few yearslater, around the time of our anniversary, my wife said she had to run tothe store for a few things. When she got back, she asked if I would goout to the car and bring the items in. I was very surprised to find ashiny new hardshell guitar case in the back of the car, instead ofgroceries. I was flabbergasted however, when I opened the case andfound that it contained a Martin, my dream guitar.Once again I started writing and recording, this time getting heavy intoBob Dylan. I threw out my picks, and proceeded to teach myself some formof fingerstyle technique. I began to play more for family gatherings,and spent more time developing and practicing the songs I was writing.This brings me to where I am today. With the positive feedback from myloving family, The helping hand of a fellow musician, and the desire toshare my music, I feel I am living out my dream.

Instruments Electric guitar, accoustic guitar, piano & keyboards, harmonica

Albums Well Strung, With Eyes Wide, Southbound(due Winter 2000)

Location Tucson, AZ - USA

Copyright notice. All material on MP3.com is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. You may download this material and make reasonable number of copies of this material only for your own personal use. You may not otherwise reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, publicly display, or create derivative works of this material, unless authorized by the appropriate copyright owner(s).