Biography

Ted Hawkins
Cold and Bitter Tears
Rounder Perfect 10 Series

Before the release of his 1982 debut album on Rounder Records, Ted Hawkins earned his living by busking on the boardwalk at Venice Beach, California, a venue that he never completely abandoned. Yet, Ted was a world-class singer with one of the most powerful and moving voices in American music, as well as a deeply personal songwriting style that drew equally on soul and country roots. He went on to record for other labels, but these tracks represent the true and unmitigated soul of Ted Hawkins.


Cold & Bitter Tears 2:28
(Theodore Hawkins, Jr./Joliet Music-Happy Valley Music, BMI)

Bring It On Home Daddy 3:08
(Theodore Hawkins, Jr./Joliet Music-Happy Valley Music, BMI)

If You Love Me 2:24
(Theodore Hawkins, Jr./Joliet Music-Happy Valley Music, BMI)

Watch Your Step 2:46
(Theodore Hawkins, Jr./Joliet Music-Endorse Music, BMI)

The Lost Ones 3:13
(Theodore Hawkins, Jr./Joliet Music-Happy Valley Music, BMI)

My Last Goodbye 3:29
(Theodore Hawkins, Jr./Joliet Music-Happy Valley Music, BMI)

Peace & Happiness 2:33
(Theodore Hawkins, Jr./Joliet Music-Happy Valley Music, BMI)

Sorry You’re Sick 2:10
(Theodore Hawkins, Jr./Joliet Music-Happy Valley Music, BMI)

Stay Close to Me 3:18
(Theodore Hawkins, Jr./Joliet Music-Happy Valley Music, BMI)

Bad Dog 2:28
(Theodore Hawkins, Jr./Joliet Music-Happy Valley Music, BMI)


“If You Love Me,” “The Lost Ones,” “Peace & Happiness,” “Sorry You’re Sick” and “Stay Close to Me” are from Rounder 11661-2024-2, Watch Your Step

Ted Hawkins guitar and vocal


“Bring It On Home Daddy” and “Watch Your Step” are from Rounder 11661-2024-2, Watch Your Step

Ted Hawkins vocal
Philip Walker lead guitar
Arthur Woods piano
Ollie “Count” Gaines bass
Johnny Tucker drums
David Ii saxophone
Mel Moore trumpet
Ina Bea Walker and Jimmy Grisby backing vocals


“Cold & Bitter Tears,” and “Bad Dog” are from Rounder 11661-2033-2, Happy Hour

Ted Hawkins vocal and guitar


“My Last Goodbye” is from Rounder 11661-2033-2, Happy Hour

Ted Hawkins vocal
Elizabeth Hawkins vocal
Dale Wilson lead guitar
Augie Brown guitar
Dennis Walker bass
Johnny Greer drums


Compilation by Scott Billington
Mastered by Jonathan Wyner at M Works, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Photography © Jack Vartoogian/Front Porch Photos
Series design by Scott Billington and Devon Guillery