A Kentucky native, Hawkins now calls Pensacola, Florida home. J. has performed in a variety of clubs and honky tonks along the Gulf Coast. As a frequent performer at the Flora-Bama Lounge, J. has become a well known and much respected country music entertainer. He has opened for such well known acts as Tom T. Hall, John Hartford, John Prine, David Alan Coe and the Marshall Tucker Band. He currently has four albums to his credit.