Above: The Lewis Sisters- Rose, left, and Margaret, right, with Dale Hawkins on stage at the Louisiana Hayride.

“In April 1957 Margaret Lewis won 2nd prize at a talent show in Plainview, sponsored by Johnny Horton, the prize being a guest appearance at the Louisiana Hayride at Shreveport. There, Johnny and Tilman Franks introduced her to local businesswoman Mira Smith, who had her own studio and played guitar with young local cats like James Burton. An aspiring songwriter, she took Margaret under her wing, sending her out on the road with local star Dale Hawkins. Margaret and her sister Rose ended up doing backing vocals for some of Dale`s Checker sessions in Chicago, singing on Baby Baby, Mrs Merguitory’s Daughter, La-Do-Da -Da, Superman and most memorably of all the awesome Little Pig. Later she sang on the equally awesome Ain’t That Lovin’ You Baby by Dale.”

Phil Davies from Black Cat Rockabilly Europe

Two of Dale Hawkins Checker sides where the Lewis Sisters are on backup vocals are today’s song of the day -the dreamy La-Do-Dada and the R&B drenched Ain’t that Loving You Babe.

Margaret Lewis will recount her time with Dale Hawkins with music writer Michael Hurtt this Tuesday July 17th, 2012 at 6 p.m. at the Old US Mint in New Orleans at the Heroes of Louisiana Music series at the Mint.

Dale Hawkins – La-Do-Dada

Dale Hawkins – Ain’t That Loving You Baby