Greg Hawkes is an American musician, best known as the keyboardist and a founding member of the rock band The Cars. Active primarily in the late 1970s and 1980s, Hawkes has significantly influenced the new wave genre through his innovative use of synthesizers and electronic sounds.
Born in 1951 in the United States, Hawkes developed an interest in music at an early age. He pursued his passion through formal education, eventually earning a degree in music from the University of Massachusetts. His early exposure to various musical styles laid the groundwork for his future contributions to rock music.
Hawkes’s artistic career took off when he co-founded The Cars in 1976 alongside Ric Ocasek, Benjamin Orr, and others. The band quickly rose to fame with their self-titled debut album, which featured hits like “Just What I Needed” and “My Best Friend’s Girl.” Hawkes’s distinctive keyboard work and innovative arrangements helped define the band’s sound, characterized by catchy melodies and a blend of rock with pop sensibilities. The Cars achieved commercial success, with multiple albums reaching the top of the charts and earning critical acclaim.
Throughout his career with The Cars, Hawkes contributed to several notable albums, including “Candy-O” (1979), “Heartbeat City” (1984), and the band’s reunion album “Move Like This” (2011). His collaborations extended beyond The Cars, as he worked with various artists and bands, showcasing his versatility as a musician.
Greg Hawkes’s legacy is intertwined with that of The Cars, a band that played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of new wave music. The Cars’ influence can still be felt in contemporary music, and Hawkes’s contributions as a keyboardist and songwriter remain significant in the rock genre. His innovative use of technology in music paved the way for future artists, making him an important figure in the evolution of modern rock music.