Ginny Hawker

Ginny Hawker's expressions of vocal honesty and soulfulness are part of the foundation that have united bluegrass, gospel, honky tonk, and old-time music in rural America. In the bluegrass arena that was long dominated by male voices, Hawker expresses deep feelings that share both the sorrows and joys of a simpler life. Singing tenor to the combined rhythms of banjos, mandolins, and fiddles, Hawker blends her words with a tonal truth.



Hawker was influenced over several decades by the songs and sounds of the original Carter Family (A.P., Sara, and Maybelle), often called the first family of country music. She joined with Kay Justice to create several different albums of tribute to the uniqueness of the Carter Family. Signs and Wonders and Pathway to West Virginia laid a foundation for a favorite, Come All You Tenderhearted, released in March 1995 by June Appal. Tracy Schwarz (of New Lost City Ramblers), Hawker's husband and a strong musical companion over the years, provided fiddle and vocals on Come All You Tenderhearted. Hawker, Schwarz, and Justice managed to maintain a style that is reminiscent of their mentor's flavor, a tribute to the truth found in mountain music.

Read More