Sir John Hawkins ~ The Father of Music History

 ~        

Sir John Hawkins - 1786   

oil on wood panel 

painting by  

 
      

On March 29, 1719, Sir John Hawkins was born. Hawkins was the author of The General History which was the first history of music book in English.  

 

It took Hawkins 16 years to write A General History of the Science and Practice of Music which was published in 1776. Although this publication was respected, it soon was overshadowed, with the help of the likes such as Dr Callcott who composed a mocking song against Hawkins, by Charles Burney's General History of Music (1776–89). However, in years to come Hawkins's music history was considered to be superior to Burney's music history (compare the 1875 edition of Hawkins's work). Burney's discourse on Handel and Bach was viewed as being particularly inadequate.     

 

During his life, he wrote many works, including A General History of the Science and Practice of Music and his Life of Samuel Johnson in memory of his friend. He was appointed as a magistrate and later became Chairman of the Quarter Session for Middlesex. 

 

In 1753 Hawkins married Sidney Storer (1726–1793), second daughter of the attorney Peter Storer. With two daughters who died in infancy, their children were two sons, John Sidney Hawkins and Henry, and a daughter, the novelist Laetitia Hawkins.He was knighted in 1772 for his services.   

 

               

     

Viewfinder link:     

      

Sir John Hawkins     

        

Net links: 

          

Baldwin Wallace University ~ A History of Music: Burney vs. Hawkins   

Brittanica ~ General History of the Science and Practice of Music     

Sir John Hawkins Music ~ List of Music by John Hawkins           

Yale University Library ~ Sir John Hawkins      

 

 

      

     

     

Styrous® ~ Sunday, March 29, 2026         

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

 

 

 

~

Music People

MAIN MENU - Blog Articles 
~