The Nighthawks is an American blues and roots music band based in Washington, D.C., formed in 1972. The group underwent several personnel changes before stabilizing with Mark Wenner on vocals and harmonica, Jimmy Thackery on lead guitar, Jan Zukowski on bass guitar, and Pete Ragusa on drums. They made a recording debut with the album Rock 'n' Roll (1974). Their album Full House (1979), released on Adelphi Records, included guest appearances from Pinetop Perkins and Bob Margolin. The band backed tours with notable artists including Elvin Bishop and John Lee Hooker. In 2003, they appeared in the first episode of the second season of the television series The Wire. The group won the Traditional Blues/R&B Duo/Group Award at the 2009 Washington Area Music Awards and the Acoustic Album of the Year at the 32nd Blues Music Awards in 2011 for their album Last Train to Bluesville (2010). They signed with Severn Records in 2011.