Screamin' Jay Hawkins

Jalacy J. Hawkins' wild songs and onstage theatrics of his self-created brand of voodoo jive earned him the name Screamin' Jay Hawkins. His act has often featured him emerging from a casket to sing his best-known hit, "I Put a Spell on You" (1956), carrying a skull smoking a cigarette (you know smoking's bad for you, look at Henry...). Other novelties, ranging from "Feast of the Mau Mau" to "Constipation Blues" (1967), may have stereotyped his talent, but on the other hand, his idiosyncracies have brought him TV and movie appearances that would have eluded him had he played his music straight. Regardless of style, Hawkins's recordings still display a remarkable voice, which would have been used for opera had Screamin' Jay had his way.