Who was/is The Nighthawks ? - CDs, Vinyl LPs, DVD and more

The Nighthawks (Robert Nighthawk)

Until his disciple Earl Hooker came to prominence, it's unlikely any blues slide guitarist developed a cleaner, lighter, more melodic touch than Robert Nighthawk. He started out recording in the pre-war era as Robert Lee McCoy, but that wasn't his real name either. He was born Robert Lee McCollum (or McCullum) in Helena, Arkansas on November 30, 1909.

Robert got started playing guitar late, at approximately 21. His first instrument was harmonica before his cousin, Houston Stackhouse, tutored him on guitar. But he was a fast learner. Bluebird signed him in 1937; he made his recording debut in Aurora, Illinois, on the same May day as Sonny Boy Williamson. By then, he'd changed his handle to McCoy after fleeing the south following a murky shooting incident that compelled him to take up residence in St. Louis.

One of McCoy's songs that day was called Prowling Night-Hawk, the inspiration for his most enduring alias. There were a couple more Bluebird dates and a 1940 Decca session as Peetie's Boy before the war upended recording activities. Nomadic Robert ended up back in Helena for a time, broadcasting his pungent blues over KFFA for Bright Star Flour in direct competition with the second Sonny Boy Williamson's 'King Biscuit Time' program.

Muddy Waters recommended his old friend Robert, who had by this time gone electric, to Leonard Chess. Nighthawk cut for him in late 1948 and again on July 12, 1949, when the day's itinerary included the chilling Black Angel Blues, pianist Ernest Lane and bassist Willie Dixon providing splendidly sparse accompaniment. The song harked back to 1930 and rough-edged classic blues singer Lucille Bogan (though Nighthawk was probably more familiar with fellow slide master Tampa Red’s 1934 version), and in 1956 B.B. King would score a solid R&B hit with it as Sweet Little Angel. Aristocrat—the label Leonard Chess was associated with prior to his own self-named firm—issued it as by The Nighthawks. The other side, Annie Lee Blues, made a chart dent—Robert's only fleeting moment in the national spotlight.

Bill Dahl
Chicago, Illinois

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Electric Blues 1939-2005. - The Definitive Collection!

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More information about The Nighthawks on Wikipedia.org

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Live In Europe (LP)
The Nighthawks: Live In Europe (LP) Art-Nr.: LPCCR1014

Ready to ship today, delivery time** appr. 1-3 workdays

1 vinyl LP (CrossCut) 1985 - original pressing! When in 1985 the Berlin Jazz Festival signed up three US acts (NRBQ, John Hammond, ...) in a package, one of the best-established barroom bands from the US East Coast at the time was coming...
$5.50 $16.44
Established 1972 (CD)
The Nighthawks: Established 1972 (CD) Art-Nr.: CDVTNH01

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(Vizztone) 14 tracks The Nighthawks, the legendary road warriors of blues and roots music from Washington DC, are celebrating their 50th anniversary with a brand new album 'Established 1972'. . Produced by the Nighthawks and long-time...
$19.74
Times Four
The Nighthawks: Times Four Art-Nr.: CD4130

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(1976-78 'Adelphi') (50:40/12) Special guest: LUTHER 'GUITAR JR.' JOHNSON - gtr/voc.
$18.42
Damn Good Time
The Nighthawks: Damn Good Time Art-Nr.: CD056

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This legendary band is still rocking the world with their blend of classic electric blues, rock'n'roll, and barroom blues. - Digipak. MARK WENNER - voc/hca, PAUL BELL - gtr/voc, JOHNNY CASTLE - bass/voc, MARK STUTSO - drums.
$17.54
Hot Spot (LP)
The Nighthawks: Hot Spot (LP) Art-Nr.: LPVAR559

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(Varrick Records) 10 Tracks Cover slightly bent at one corner
$27.44
American Landscape
The Nighthawks: American Landscape Art-Nr.: CDPOW126

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Founded by Mark Wenner 33 years ago, The Nighthawks are still going strong, today. The band still sounds fresh with its unique blend of American blues and roots music. Two new members are adding an extra shot of energy. No original, but...
$18.42