John C. Hawken

I've just become aware of John's passing, nearly one year ago. I met John Hawken at a Strawbs concert some years ago in Sellersville, PA. He was a very pleasant gentleman and seemed quite impressed that I was familiar with his work in the original line-up of the band Renaissance. He mentioned that he maintained close connections with Jane Relf, Louis Cennamo and Jim McCarty, often seeing them on visits to his native U.K. My encounter with John was brief but memorable, and I was sorry to learn of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family.

Very sorry to hear of John's passing. From the first time he visited my Wine and Spirits store in Trumansburg, NY about 4 years ago, I felt as if we were long time friends. I mailed him my band's new release in January 2023, and was thrilled to get a call from him, telling me what he enjoyed from it as he broke it down track by track.
I am very proud and honored to consider him amongst my musical friendships. Anyone would be lucky to accomplish a fraction of what he did professionally, and always a true gentleman.

Rest easy, my friend.

I met him a few times at Aarius Studio. We talked about the work be had done and the people he played with. I think he deserves to be in the rock & roll Hall of Fame more than some people who are there. He founded Renaissance and influenced their sound even after he had left the band. Extraordinary talent. John was the nicest, most warn and engaging person, who epitomized the English Gentleman. I was honored to meet him, and I am saddened by his passing. I will never forget him. R.I.P John, you were one of the greats.

Excellent musician who added much class to any project he was involved with. I always admired his playing skills on the various albums he appeared on I have in my collection. A musician friend of mine met him several times and said he was nothing but a gentlemen. May he RIP.

Rest in peace John, it was a pleasure to meet you and I hope you keep playing the keyboard in the lords loving presents.

I met John at Brewed Awakenings coffee shop many years ago. I sat memorized asking John about his days playing and his incredible stories. John told them with such passion and humor. I could listen to his English accent for hours. I couldn't believe the first hand accounts of playing with the Beatles and knowing the WHO...etc...I was thinking...this is the closest I'll ever get to knowing these legends. John was so humble, and always had time to chat. We laughed at Monty Python sketchers, which John told 'spot on' word for word in classic English accent. John sketched a caricature of me once on a napkin...I'm thinking , is there anything this guy can't do! I'm glad I was able to pick John up at Newark Airport one time as he came in, like 12 or 1 am from a gig he had on a cruise ship I believe. John was a great, talented, gentle, caring soul...I'm praying Jesus welcomed him to Heaven . I'll miss you John, and our chats.
Joe Oleck