Hawkins joined Neil Carswell and Jon Byrd in founding the Southern rock band Copperhead in 1986 in Morganton, North Carolina. Hawkins, whose bass-driven grooves were central to the band's rhythmic foundation, recorded on the group's 1992 self-titled debut album for Mercury Records, which was produced by Tom Dowd and mixed by Rodney Mills.[4] The band found success with the single "Whiskey", which charted on AOR radio in 1993.[5]
Copperhead toured with major acts including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, and .38 Special before disbanding in 1995 due to internal tensions, declining commercial support for Southern rock, and the departure of vocalist Neil Carswell.[6]
After Copperhead dissolved, Hawkins and Byrd formed the alternative rock band Jonas Ridge in 1996. With Jason Davis on vocals and Okey Parsons on drums, the group pursued a more contemporary sound influenced by post-grunge and radio rock.[7]
Jonas Ridge released a self-titled album in 1997 featuring songs like "Inside" and "Peace of Mind." Despite strong regional shows and positive feedback, the band's second album—recorded in 2000—was shelved and only resurfaced in the early 2020s when members uploaded tracks to digital platforms.[8]
In 2000, Hawkins and Byrd regrouped with Parsons and new vocalist John Culberson to form a new band initially called Hybrid. The band developed a heavier rock sound influenced by Chevelle, Deftones, and Breaking Benjamin.[9]
After the release of their debut album Hybrid in November 2004 and an EP titled Now You See in January 2006 before the band decided to change their name to A Course of Action in November 2006 citing marketing reasons.[10] The group's first full-length album under their new band name, titled Dark Before the Dawn which was released in May 2011. That album marked Hawkins last release with the band before his retirement later that year.
Hawkins officially announced on December 11, 2011 he woud be retiring from the music industry after 25 years, stating his desire to step away from the band to spend more time with family. He was subsequently replaced by bassist Wes Johnson.[11]
