John Christopher Hawken (May 9, 1940 – May 15, 2024) was an English keyboard player, best known as a member of The Nashville Teens, Renaissance, and the Strawbs. He also played in Spooky Tooth, Third World War, Vinegar Joe and Illusion, as well as being a session musician.
Hawken was born in Bournemouth, England. He trained in classical piano from the age of 5 until 18, prompted by his mother Dorothy Constance Hawken, who was formally trained as both a pianist and painter from an early age. He took an interest in rock and roll and, in 1960, joined his first rock band – the Cruisers Rock Combo. The band included future Renaissance guitarist Michael Dunford.
In October 2011, Hawken came out of retirement to perform with Jim McCarty and Jann Klose at Hugh’s Room and This Ain’t Hollywood, Ontario, for two Chamber Pop Summits. In 2019, he joined the Strawbs for their 50th anniversary show.
Hawken died from melanoma at his home in Metuchen, New Jersey, six days after his 84th birthday.
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