Ronald Cornett Hawkins was an American rock and roll singer, long based in Canada, whose career spanned more than half a century. His career began in Arkansas, United States, where he was born and raised. He found success in Ontario, Canada, and lived there for most of his life. Hawkins was an institution of the Ontario music scene for over 40 years. He was highly influential in the establishment and evolution of rock music in Canada.
Hawkins at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival
Hawkins in 2014
Ronnie Hawkins's star on Canada's Walk of Fame
Rock music of Canada is a wide and diverse part of the general music of Canada, beginning with American and British style rock and roll in the mid-20th century. Since then Canada has had a considerable impact on the development of the modern popular music called rock. Canada has produced many of the genre's most significant groups and performers, while contributing substantively to the development of the most popular subgenres, which include pop rock, progressive rock, country rock, folk rock, hard rock, punk rock, heavy metal and indie rock.
Paul Anka, 2007
Bruce Cockburn performing at the City Stages festival in Birmingham, Alabama, United States.
Neil Young
Rush in concert in Milan, Italy, 2004