This Huntington native got his first guitar by trading five rabbits and performing on local radio and in traveling shows. During World War II, he entertained troops in the Philippines.

From 1946 to 1954, he was part of the Wheeling Jamboree, then joined the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. He had several hit songs, including "Lonesome 7-7203," which became a number-one hit after his death.

Hawkins died in a 1963 plane crash along with Patsy Cline and others. He was inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame in 2009.