“Ernie Hawkins is an important link in the unbroken chain of blues and gospel artists. His guitaristry and love of the style is incomparable. From the Rev. Gary Davis into the future with his own style Ernie is one of the special ones!” Jorma Kaukonen

Ernie Hawkins, internationally-renown acoustic guitar virtuoso, plays and sings blues, ragtime, and gospel. His riveting music springs mostly from the early 1900’s east coast Piedmont and Texas blues styles. Ernie’s early exposure to roots music was under the tutelage of the caretaker on his uncle’s farm. Ernie studied extensively with Rev. Gary Davis, and played with Son House, Mance Lipscomb, Fred McDowell, Robert Pete Williams, Arthur Crudup, and many others. In addition, he spent thousands of hours ferreting out and studying obscure and historic recordings. Ernie Hawkins has become one of our best living links to this rich and magnificent American musical heritage, and is joyfully dedicated to preserving and passing on his treasured knowledge, both “in the letter” and “in the spirit”.

As one of a handful fortunate enough to study with the old masters, he now serves as a master to other aspiring musicians. Ernie is dedicated to the continuation of this music and generously shares his “trade secrets”. A beloved and patient teacher, he is in demand worldwide.

Tablature/music is available as a PDF file for each lesson. Lessons are filmed with multiple cameras and consist of a performance, explanation, and conclude with a slow tempo split screen that follows the tab/music.