Dale Hawkins, Rockabilly Pioneer, Dies at 73

Rockabilly singer-songwriter Dale Hawkins, best known for the swamp-rock classic, 'Susie Q,' died Feb. 13 in Little Rock, Ark., after a lengthy battle with colon cancer. He was 73. Born in Goldmine, La., Hawkins is a member of both the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. 'Susie Q,' a 1957 hit for Hawkins, was also covered by the Rolling Stones and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

According to the Arkansas Times, Hawkins was also the producer of pop hits by other artists, including John Fred and His Playboy Band's 'Judy in Disguise (with Glasses).' In 1999, he released 'Wildcat Tamer,' a critically-acclaimed collection of new recordings.

Hawkins' funeral was held Thursday (Feb. 18) in Little Rock, where he spent the last several years of his life.