Erskine Hawkins, born Erskine Ramsay Hawkins on July 26, 1914, in Birmingham, Alabama, was an American trumpeter and big band leader. He began his recording career in 1936 with Vocalion Records as Erskine Hawkins and His 'Bama State Collegians. In 1938, he signed with RCA Victor, releasing music under the name Erskine Hawkins and His Orchestra" In 1939, Hawkins co-composed "Tuxedo Junction" with Bill Johnson, which became a significant hit during World War II. Throughout the 1940s, Hawkins continued to release successful albums and singles under RCA Victor and later Coral Records. He was known for his live performances at the Concord Resort Hotel in Kiamesha Lake, New York, from 1967 until 1993. Hawkins' contributions were recognized with inductions into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. He passed away on November 11, 1993.
