Before there was Marilyn Manson, before Cooper and his fake blood, before Ozzy bit the head off a bat, there was the original shock rocker-Screamin' Jay Hawkins.

He's the Salvatore Dali of music.

This guy is amazing. He is using elements of Japanese Kabuki Theatre, opera training and slapstick. I saw him perform in a small club on Haight St. in San Francisco one Halloween Night. It was a riot. Smoke bombs. The police came. They started dancing. Women with black eyes. Crazy. Gonzo. Holy. It was the ultimate spiritual experience. We loved you, SJH. We loved you.

Screamin jay got like 53 kids too

In one performance he channels classical tenor, tribal chant, bebop scat, garbeling, and arena rock screams so seamlessly that the sharp differences between them vanish and it becomes something pure, free, shocking and amazing.

that was one of the most intense pieces of music

this guy was way ahead of his time...best thing ive heard in a long time on the internet!!!

That bend by the saxophonist in his solo is something seriously special. In awe

The most unnerving thing about this performance was that Jay was SOBER the entire time!

Just heard David Sanborn died, and this immortal moment was the first thing I thought of. Rest easy Jay, and now David too.

This song is not only good but it's SOOO entertaining at the same time. I love his charisma and natural entertaining way of performing

Some background on this compelling, one-of-a-kind performer: Born and raised in Cleveland, Hawkins studied classical piano as a child and learned guitar in his twenties. His initial goal was to become an opera singer (Hawkins has cited Paul Robeson as his musical idol in interviews), but when his initial ambitions failed he began his career as a conventional blues singer and pianist. Hawkins was an avid and formidable boxer. In 1949, he was the middleweight boxing champion of Alaska. When Hawkins became a solo performer, he often performed in a stylish wardrobe of leopard skins, red leather and wild hats. Hawkins' most successful recording, "I Put A Spell On You" (1956), was selected as one of The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame's 500 songs that shaped the world" Died in France February 12, 2000.

It took a long time.. but Screamin' Jay is now recognized as a great showman and entertainer.. not to mention having fabulous pipes that any rock singer must envy.

The saxophone fits great with the song!

he's amazing. We need these kind of musicans in these days

I think that sax solo gave me an eargasm

I saw Screamin' Jay years ago at North Sea Jazzfest. He was absolutely amazing! Chills down my spine whenever I hear him do this song. Great man, great artist.

Jay Hawkins is so brilliant. I've listened to this a gazillion times and it never gets old.

This performance is from a US TV show called 'Night Music' on 11 February 1990. The saxophone player, David Sanborn, is also a legend.

This is one of the best versions. Really unique. This is the 10th time today. Got to love Screamin Jay !