Robert Nighthawk

Robert McCollum, b. November 30, 1909 in Helena, AR, d. November 5, 1967 in Helena, AR. Having left home in his early teens, McCollum initially supported himself financially by playing harmonica, but by the 30s had switched to guitar under the tutelage of Houston Stackhouse. The two musicians, together with Robert’s brother Percy, formed a string band that was a popular attraction at local parties and gatherings. Robert left the south during the middle of the decade, allegedly after a shooting incident, and settled in St. Louis. He took the name Robert McCoy, after his mother’s maiden name, and made contact with several Mississippi-born bluesmen, including Big Joe Williams and John Lee ‘Sonny Boy’ Williamson. McCoy accompanied both on sessions for the Bluebird Records label, who then recorded the skilled guitarist in his own right. His releases included ‘Tough Luck’ and the evocative ‘Prowlin’ Nighthawk’, which in turn engendered the artist’s best-known professional surname.

Nighthawk then discovered the electric guitar which, when combined with his already dextrous slide technique, created a sound that allegedly influenced Earl Hooker, Elmore James and Muddy Waters. The latter musician was instrumental in introducing Nighthawk to the Aristocrat (later Chess Records) label. It was here that the artist completed his most accomplished work, in particular two 1949 masters, ‘Sweet Black Angel’ and ‘Anna Lee Blues’. Both songs were procured from Tampa Red, whose dazzling, clear tone bore an affinity to jazz and was an inspiration for Nighthawk’s approach. However, his disciple was unable or unwilling to consolidate the success these recordings secured, and although he continued to record in Chicago, Nighthawk often returned to Helena where he performed with his son, Sam Carr. The guitarist’s last substantial session was in 1964 when he completed two tracks, ‘Sorry My Angel’ and ‘Someday’, with a backing band that included Buddy Guy and Walter ‘Shakey’ Horton. Robert Nighthawk died in his home town on November 5, 1967, leaving behind a small but pivotal body of work.