The Nighthawks

The Nighthawks are an American blues and roots music band, based in Washington, D.C. As of 2018, The Nighthawks are Mark Wenner (vocals and harmonica), Dan Hovey (lead guitar), Johnny Castle (bass guitar), and Mark Stutso (drums).

This article is about the blues and roots music band. For other uses, see Nighthawk (disambiguation).
The Nighthawks
Mark Wenner of The Nighthawks plays amplified harmonica
Harrisonburg, Virginia July 11, 2008.
Background information
OriginWashington, D.C., United States
GenresBlues
Years active1972–present
Websitethenighthawks.com
MembersMark Wenner
Johnny Castle
Paul Bell
Mark Stutso
Past membersJimmy Thackery
Jan Zukowski
Pete Ragusa
Warren Haynes
Jimmy Nalls
Jimmy Hall
Danny Morris
Pete Kanaras
Phil Petroff

History

Formed in 1972, the Nighthawks underwent several personnel changes before stabilizing as the lineup of Mark Wenner (vocals and harmonica), Jimmy Thackery (lead guitar), Jan Zukowski (bass guitar), and Pete Ragusa (drums).[1] Their 1979 album, Full House, issued on Adelphi Records, includes guest appearances from Pinetop Perkins and Bob Margolin.[1]

Keyboard player Greg Wetzel joined the band in 1983, was a full-time member until 1986, and has continued to play at special performances. The membership of the band remained stable until 1986. At that time, tired of the band's extensive touring schedule, Thackery departed to front the Drivers and other groups and to record for Blind Pig Records and Telarc Records.[1] Following his departure, several players filled the lead guitar spot. These included Jimmy Nalls, Warren Haynes, James Solberg, Danny Morris, Pete Kanaras, with Kanaras becoming the longest lasting member.

In 2003, the band featured in the first episode of the second season of The Wire.

Kanaras and Zukowski departed the band in 2004. They were replaced by Paul Bell (lead guitar) and Johnny Castle (bass guitar). The Nighthawks won the Traditional Blues/R&B Duo/Group Award at the 2009 Washington Area Music Awards. In 2011, their album, "Last Train to Bluesville" won the Acoustic Album of the Year at the 32nd Blues Music Awards, sponsored by the Blues Foundation.

In 2011, they signed with Severn Records.[2]

Discography
YearTitleAlbum details
1974Rock 'n' RollReleased 1974, 1983, and 1990. Labels: ALADDIN ALPS-101, Format: LP
1976Open All NiteReleased 1976 and 1995, Label: Adelphi AD-4105 Format: LP
1976Live at the PsycheDellyReleased 1976 and 1995, Label: Adelphi AD-4110 Format: LP
1977Side Pocket ShotReleased 1977 and 1997, Label: Adelphi AD-4115 Format: LP
1978Jacks & KingsReleased 1978 Label: Adelphi AD-4125 Format: LP
1982Full House – Jacks & Kings Vol I & IIReleased 1990 Label: Genes 4120/25 Format: CD
1980The NighthawksReleased 1980 Label: Mercury SRM 1-3833 Format: LP
1982Ten Years LiveReleased 1982 Label: Chesapeake CR LP 101 Format: LP
1984Hot SpotReleased 1984 Label: Varrick VR009 Format: LP
1986Hard LivingReleased 1986 Label: Varrick VR-022 & CD-022 Format: LP
1988Backtrack – LiveReleased 1988 Label:Varrick VR-036 Format: LP
1987Live in EuropeReleased 1987 and 1992 Label: Crosscut CCR 1014, CCD 11014 Format: LP/CD
1988Best of the BluesReleased 1988 Label: Adelphi AD 4140 Format: LP
1988Best of the RockReleased 1988 Label: Adelphi AD 4145 Format: LP
1988Best of the NighthawksReleased 1988 Label: Genes 4140/45 Format: CD
1991TroubleReleased 1991 Label: Powerhouse POW 4107 Format: LP/CD
1993Rock This HouseReleased 1993 Label: Big Mo 1023-2 Format: CD
1996Pain & ParadiseReleased 1996 and 2002 Label: Big Mo 10302, Ruf 1080 Format: CD
1997Times FourReleased 1997 Label: Adelphi AD-4130/35 Format: CD
1999Still WildReleased 1999 Label: Ruf 1037 Format: CD
2002Live Tonite!Released 2002 Label: Ruf 1079 Format: CD
2004Live at the State Theater with Special Guest Hubert SumlinReleased 2004 Label: Rolling Storm Communications RSC 0505 Format: DVD
2006Blue Moon in Your Eye (Live at the Barns at Wolf Trap)Released 2006 Label: Rolling Storm Communications RSC 0601 Format: CD
2009American LandscapeReleased 2006 Label: Powerhouse 126 Format: CD
2010Last Train to BluesvilleReleased 2010 Label: Rib Band RBR003 Format: CD
2012Damn Good TimeReleased 2010 Label: Severn SEVCD 56 Format: CD
2014444Released 2014 Label: Eller Soul 1405 Format: CD
2015Back Porch PartyReleased 2015 Label: Eller Soul 1505 Format: CD
2017All You Gotta DoReleased 2017 Label: Eller Soul 1707 Format: CD

Other releases featuring the Nighthawks
  • Hot Tracks – John Hammond and the Nighthawks
  • Toru Oki and the Nighthawks – Bad Boy "live" 1984

Mark Wenner solo albums
  • Fugitive – w/Switchblade
  • Nothin' But
  • Mama Tried
  • Runs Good Needs Paint

See also

References
  1. Russell, Tony (1997). The Blues – From Robert Johnson to Robert Cray. Dubai: Carlton Books Limited. pp. 150–151. ISBN 1-85868-255-X.
  2. Gordon, Keith A. (Nov 11, 2011). "Severn Records Goes to the Birds". About.com; Blues. Archived from the original on April 19, 2012. Retrieved 2011-11-14.
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