Chesney Hawkes

Chesney Hawkes is a British pop artist, singer-songwriter, and actor who first captured the public’s imagination in the early 1990s with his debut hit "The One and Only," a song that remains an enduring pop classic. Born on 22 September 1971 in Windsor, Berkshire, England, Chesney Hawkes was destined for a life in music. His father, Len 'Chip' Hawkes, found fame with the 1960s band the Tremeloes, while his mother, Carol Dilworth, was an actress and game show hostess. Growing up in a creative household, Chesney Hawkes was exposed to performance from a young age, shaping his passion for music and entertainment. His big break came at the age of 19 when he was cast in the 1991 film Buddy’s Song, starring opposite British rock legend Roger Daltrey of The Who. In the film, he played Buddy, a teenager chasing his dreams of rock stardom amidst family and personal struggles. To accompany the movie, he released "The One and Only," written by Nik Kershaw. The song was an instant success, spending five consecutive weeks at number one on the UK Singles Chart and reaching number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100—a rare achievement for a British solo artist at the time. Though he is often described as a "one-hit wonder," his career has been far more varied and resilient than that label suggests. Over the decades, he has released several albums, including Get the Picture (1993) and Another Fine Mess (2007), showcasing his skills as a songwriter and a performer with an ear for catchy, heartfelt pop-rock tunes. His loyal fanbase has followed him across multiple projects, from intimate live performances to full-band tours. Beyond his music career, Chesney Hawkes has remained a familiar face on British television, participating in popular reality and competition shows such as Dancing on Ice (2007), The Games (2005), and Hit Me Baby One More Time (2005). His affable personality and willingness to embrace his pop legacy have endeared him to new generations of fans. He has also written for other artists and been involved in musical theatre, lending his talents to a variety of creative projects. In 2012, he was invited to perform at the closing ceremony of the London Olympics, reflecting the lasting affection the British public holds for him and his music. Despite the shadow of "The One and Only," Chesney Hawkes has carved out a distinctive career that celebrates the joy of pop music while also embracing the ups and downs of life in the spotlight. He continues to tour, write, and record, often blending nostalgia with fresh creativity, making a triumphant comeback in 2025 with new album Living Arrows.