Canada, he decided, was a chosen land with a chosen people - so he chose to stay and sing and play and, over the years became a rock 'n' roll legend, his mystique transcendental in much the manner of an old friend and contemporary, Elvis Presley. He married a Canadian girl, Wanda, serene, lovely and sensible, the tranquil eye of his storm. Best of all, she understood. He had a mansion in the country, Rolls Royces in the driveway, money in his pocket, babes in his arms, booze in his belly and, above all, gold in his heart. For next to his music, his heart was always what set him apart in an industry that thrives on the ethics of the jungle.
Musicians are the same everywhere.
They show no gratitude. Give them your heart and they want your soul. No single entertainer has done more to develop, encourage and showcase new Canadian talent than Ronnie Hawkins, and for that alone, he deserves the Order of Canada. He was a genuine rockabilly superstar when he came to the musically-arid desert that was Canada in the late 50's, and clubs were desperate to book him. Hawkins was only too glad to oblige - if those same clubs would also promise to give young and struggling and talented Canadians a break.