Chesney Hawkes

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Hawkes was born in Slough, Berkshire, and attended Charters School in Sunningdale. His father is the singer Len 'Chip' Hawkes, formerly with the 1960s band The Tremeloes. Chesney was named after the singer and comedian, Chesney Allen.

Hawkes' career began at 19, when he appeared as the title character in the film Buddy's Song. In March 1991, he released his biggest single "The One And Only," from the film's soundtrack. Written By Nik Kershaw, the song was later featured in the opening credits of Doc Hollywood (1991), starring Michael J. Fox. The single spent five weeks at number one. He has released eight singles including "I'm a Man Not a Boy" and "Another Fine Mess."

In 1993, his single "What's Wrong With This Picture?" reached number 63 in the UK, and his 2002 collaboration with Adam Schlessinger of Fountains of Wayne, "Stay Away Baby Jane," reached number 74 in the UK Singles Chart.[1]

Hawkes has had a dedicated core of mainly student fans who have ensured his continued success as a touring artist, and who have been kept loyal by the constant playing of "The One and Only" in student bars and clubs.[citation needed] Hawkes has also had success as a songwriter for other artists, such as A1, Caprice, Tricky, Jennifer Paige & Tears for fears.

Hawkes returned to the media's attention with his involvement in Channel 4's The Games in March 2005, in which he won a Bronze Medal. He also took part in the ITV programme Hit Me Baby One More Time in April that year. He released a single called "Another Fine Mess" in May 2005, it reached number 48; it was his biggest-selling single for over a decade.[1]

Hawkes was involved in a project called the Lexus Symphony Orchestra, a corporate promotion designed to showcase the quality of Lexus' in-car audio systems. Hawkes composed two original pieces of music for these events held at Castle Howard and Crystal Palace, in August 2007.

In June 2006, Hawkes appeared at the University of Exeter Summer Ball. He proved popular leading to him appearing at the Summer Ball on 23 and 24 June 2008. His 2008 set included "The One and Only" and new material from his album, as well as a number of covers such as "I Predict a Riot" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You".

Hawkes organizes an annual songwriting retreat in Iceland called Songfusion. He also often works with the comedian Tony Hawks on songs that are available on MySpace.

In June 2008, he performed at Southampton University's graduation ball after Kate Nash was cancelled. Hawkes made a third successive appearance at the Val d'Isere night spot, Dick's Tea Bar in December 2008.

Hawkes has been confirmed to appear in new musical, Can't Smile Without You (featuring songs of Barry Manilow). In the show, Hawkes plays the part of Tony Lowiman who falls in love with a girl called Mandy when he visits New York. Things take a turn for the worse when Tony is brutally attacked one night outside a club. The musical includes over 40 Barry Manilow songs. National tour will start at the Liverpool Empire Theatre on 15 September prior to performances in the West End.[2]

Hawkes appeared briefly in a cherry picker on Celebrity Big Brother (shown on 8th January 2009) on Channel Four. "The One and Only" was used as a cue to have contestants worship at a Chesney Hawkes shrine. While other contestants were required to be paparazzi who had to take photos of any celebrities that appear in the cherry picker which was raised above the house compound wall.

Entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne is a fan and Hawkes performed as a surprise at his birthday party. [3]

Hawkes will be appearing at the Aberystwyth University May Ball in 2009, alongside The Zutons, in Pontrhydfendigaid, and at the Glastonbudget music festival in Leicestershire also in May 2009.