I’m constantly drawn towards music and things that can be seen as “odd” to others. However, like Morrissey once sang; “There is no such in life as normal.” So I guess the stuff that I am into, isn’t really odd. It’s all personal taste. I’m not into calling myself things such as a freak, weirdo or odd to define myself. Nor do I like things that are strange to be different from anyone else. I like what I like, there’s no need to justify it. If you have to justify it, then it doesn’t move you. I believe if you have to explain why you love something or someone- you don’t mean it. The things that mean the most just can’t be explained. That’s why they are beautiful and important to you.

This does lead me onto something, trust me. I just like to ramble a bit before I make my point. You’ve probably clicked onto a different site now, but still- I’ll continue on.

I’ve always admired female singers with strong voices. The kind of voice that causes your jaw to drop, cover you in goose-bumps and just leave you in awe. Singers such as Billie Holiday, Grace Jones, Patti Smith, Grace Slick, Edith Piaf, Anna Calvi, Amy Winehouse, Florence Welch. The power in their voices is just inspiring.

However, there’s one person whose voice is stronger than all of these put together. This person isn’t female, but his song was covered by one of the greats, Nina Simone.

Screamin’ Jay Hawkins is one of the best male singers ever. He had one of the strongest voices I have ever heard from a male singer, such power- such strength. Although he was famous for one song (I Put A Spell On You.) His live shows and the way he performed have easily influenced those who are drawn to the more dramatic and flamboyant way of performing. It’s just a shame they do not mention him to give the man the credit he is long overdue.

Some of his stage props could easily be seen as a shock tactic- he performed with a smoking skull named Henry. Some say it was to do with voodoo, others said he was just messing around. Art is art, the freedom to express oneself however they wish. You can call that art, but singers now have to yell out for attention by wearing next to nothing or a meat dress. That’s not going to make me take you seriously. Having a voice like Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, will.

His bluesy and soulful voice is like no other. I Put A Spell On You just changed everything about music and how it was performed. He had guts and he had heart. The way he sings that song is how it should be sung. If you read the lyrics it mixes vengeance with pure longing. Some that have covered this song sing it so delicately, so you do not get the full effect of the song. I’m not saying this because I adore the band more than anything, but because they are the only ones to have covered the song and just conveyed everything Screamin’ Jay Hawkins did. Of course I’m on about The Kills. Jamie’s aggressive guitar with Alison’s angry and extremely passionate voice takes you to the same place as the original version of the song. I know with covers the whole point is to make it your own, but with songs such as I Put A Spell On You, to take anything away from it and make it different is just sacrilege. It has to stay mean, powerful, frustrated and obsessive. The sheer passion in the song has to stay, that is why I feel The Kills are the only ones to have truly captured this in the song (aside from SJH of course.)

Screamin’ Jay Hawkins was a raw performer, everything about the way he sang and moved on stage just gripped you. There was no way on Earth you could possibly tear yourself from listening to and watching him. Some singers just have that “thing.” You cannot describe it; you just know what it is. It’s an understanding of what they are about. You dig it and you understand it. Something so deep yet so simple. You get it, but it’s too much to put into words.

During the early 1990s, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins toured with two great acts- Nick Cave and The Clash. See, the early 90s wasn’t all about dodgy dance music and acid house! He had also opened for acts such as The Rolling Stones and Fats Domino.

His whole demeanour has evidently influenced those such as The Cramps, Screaming Lord Sutch and more recently, The Horrors. The way he carried himself on stage was how a true performer should be. Such raw and aggressive vibes, but such a powerful voice.

Hard to believe that someone with such a gritty and gnarly voice studied classical piano and wanted to be an opera singer, right? Well, that’ll teach you to judge won’t it dear reader.