Recently, Toronto has become a little less colourful. I found out that we lost Teddy Hawkins.

I am sure there are plenty of you that have had a memorable history with this man. My history with him was born about one year ago. I recently moved to the Beach neighbourhood and went down to Castro’s to see Thelonius Hank. I have heard of this band for years and I finally decided to check them out. There was Teddy on drums and singing songs that painted the world with a lighter shade.

I began to organize small shows every week at Press Vinyl Café and brought in bands to try and wake up this part of East York. One of the bands I booked in was called Root Down Trio.

It was another one of Teddy’s bands that played a 60’s styles of blues music. We sat around that evening and talked about the music scene of Toronto. He was an inspiration sharing his experience to help me put another piece of this huge puzzle on creating a healthier music scene.

I began to see various forms of this artist in different parts of the city and always walked away feeling better about myself.

He always brought a warm glow with him and worked very hard to keep the darkness away.

His big personality and his humour really added to the flavour to the east side of Toronto. One of the true gifts a musician can give is letting the world know that this is exactly where he belongs and to share that gift with everyone they play for.

My relationship with music has quickly deepened knowing I will no longer see him perform live. It strengthens my resolve to create a tighter community for music and the people who live and breathe it.

Like a great soldier for the arts, I thank you for your service, Teddy Hawkins. Keep producing those sweet sounds wherever the universe takes you.

Please share any stories you have of Teddy here so we can celebrate his life and his contributions.

Jojo