Who is Dr Hook?

Dr Hook is the stage name of singer-songwriter Ray Sawyer, a veteran musician who has been in the music industry since the late 1960s. He is best known for his unique vocal style and catchy tunes, earning him platinum-selling success in the 1970s and 80s.

Early Life and Career

Ray Sawyer was born in 1937 in Chickasaw, Alabama. He started playing music as a young boy and by the time he was in high school, he was already performing with local bands. In 1966, Sawyer joined the band The Chocolate Papers, which later changed its name to Dr Hook & The Medicine Show after signing on with CBS Records.

Breakthrough Success

Dr Hook & The Medicine Show achieved breakthrough success in 1972 with their hit single “Sylvia’s Mother”. This song reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of the band’s most successful singles. They followed this up with hits like “The Cover of Rolling Stone”, “A Little Bit More” and “When You’re In Love With a Beautiful Woman”.

Later Career

In 1975, Sawyer left the band to pursue a solo career and released two albums under his own name. He also continued to collaborate with other artists throughout the years, including Dennis Locorriere of Dr Hook & The Medicine Show fame. In 2019, Sawyer released an album titled “Where I Belong”, which featured re-recorded versions of some of his biggest hits.

Legacy

Sawyer is widely considered one of the most influential singers of classic rock and remains a popular live performer to this day. His songs have been covered by numerous other artists, including Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp. He is also well-known for his signature eye patch that he has worn since losing an eye in a car accident in 1967.