Chesney Hawkes

About

Chesney Lee Hawkes is an English singer and occasional actor who burst onto the music scene at just 19 years old. His remarkable entry into the industry came through the 1991 film Buddy's Song, in which he played the title character. From this film's soundtrack emerged his career-defining single "The One and Only," released in March 1991. The song became a massive commercial success, topping the UK Singles Chart for an impressive five weeks and reaching the top 10 in the United States. This meteoric rise established Hawkes as a significant presence in early 1990s pop music, showcasing a gift for crafting memorable, chart-friendly material that resonated with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.

Following his breakthrough success, Hawkes released several additional singles that demonstrated his staying power in the charts. "I'm a Man Not a Boy" peaked at number 27 in the UK, while subsequent releases including "What's Wrong with This Picture?", "Stay Away Baby Jane," and "Another Fine Mess" all charted within the top 100. "The One and Only" proved to be his most enduring work, achieving a remarkable second life when it was featured in the 1991 film Doc Hollywood and later in the 2009 movie Moon. Throughout his career, Hawkes has maintained creative control through his own label, Hawkes Productions, continuing to record and perform while building a lasting legacy as the artist behind one of the era's most iconic pop singles.