Richard Hawley

With melodic, baritoned anguished that falls somewhere in the neighborhood of Scott Walker, Pulp touring guitarist and former Longpigs member Richard Hawley began his solo career with his self-titled debut in 2001. Richard was raised in Sheffield, England, the son of a steelworker and grew up listening to folks such as Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley. He learned guitar at an early age from his father and uncle. During the '90s he built up a reputation as an ace guitarist, and besides his stints in Pulp and Longpigs, did session work for UK artists such as Robbie Williams, Beth Orton and All Saints. He released his self-titled debut in April 2001. Hawley's sophomore effort, Late Night Final, which cloaked his sweet baritone and heartworn songs in lush arrangements, followed in 2002 on Bar-None Records. Hawley toured behind the album opening for the likes of Coldplay and Pulp. Also in 2002, Hawley and Pulp leader Jarvis Cocker recorded a track for the tribute album Total Lee: the songs of Lee Hazlewood. The next year, Hawley returned with the personal Lowedges, which was named for a place just outside his native Sheffield. In September 2005, Hawley released his first album for Mute, the bittersweet Cole's Corner. ~ Erik Hage, All Music Guide