David Michael “Mickey” Hawks was an American rockabilly singer and pianist born on July 17, 1940, in Thomasville. He established a musical background by studying piano at age 13. Influences included Ernest Tubb, Louis Armstrong, and Little Richard. In 1956, Hawks formed the Rhythm Rockers before joining the Night Raiders as a vocalist and pianist in 1958. The recording career featured the song “Bip Bop Boom” (1958), which reached number 1 on charts in Chicago and Johannesburg. In 1959, Hawks recorded the tracks “Hidi, Hidi, Hidi” and “Screamin' Mimi Jeanie”. After the Night Raiders disbanded in 1968, Hawks recorded a duet with Gwynn Kellum and performed at festivals in Europe. The recording career concluded with the album Invites You to Go Back in Time with Mickey Hawks and the Sounds of the 50's (1989). Hawks died on August 31, 1989. The Swedish version of the album Bip Bop Boom was released posthumously in 1999.
