Dale Hawkins was an American rockabilly musician known for his pioneering contributions to the genre in the mid-20th century. His signature sound embodied a blend of blues, country, and rock 'n' roll, with his most notable hit being "Susie Q" in 1957. The distinctive guitar work on this track, performed by James Burton, has been particularly influential in rock music. Despite his brief period of chart success, Hawkins' innovative style and fusion of musical genres have left a lasting impact on rockabilly and rock 'n' roll music.