Deane Hawley was a pop singer who briefly found chart success in the early 1960s. Though his name is not widely known today, he earned recognition with his cover of “Look for a Star,” which reached the U.S. Top 40 in 1960. His recording career spanned more than a decade, yet he remains best remembered for that single moment in the spotlight.
| Artist Name | Deane Hawley |
|---|---|
| Real Name | William Deane Hawley |
| Born | December 18, 1937 |
| Died | December 25, 2002 |
| Origin | Staten Island, New York; raised in California |
| Genres | Pop, Vocal, Teen Ballad |
| Active Years | 1958–1969 |
| Major Labels | Valor, Dore, Liberty, Warner Bros., Sundown |
| Notable Hit | “Look for a Star” (1960, US #29) |
| Education | Master’s in Human Behavior, University of Southern California |
| Cause of Death | Pancreatic Cancer |
Early Life and Education
Born William Deane Hawley on December 18, 1937, in Staten Island, New York, he moved to California with his family at age 3. Growing up on the West Coast, he developed a love for music at an early age. Hawley later attended the University of Southern California, where he pursued academic interests even while chasing a musical career.
In later years, he went on to earn a Master’s degree in Human Behavior from USC, showing his strong interest in both the arts and social sciences.
First Steps into Music
Hawley began his recording journey in 1958. His first release was with the label Valor Records, where he fronted a group called Dean Hawley and The Crystals. Their debut single, “The Mummy’s Bracelet”, backed with “Don’t Keep Me Guessin’,” marked his entry into the music industry. Though it did not chart, it offered him experience in professional recording and promotion.
In 1959, he began recording as a solo artist with Dore Records, a Los Angeles-based label known for its early work with Jan and Dean and The Teddy Bears. His first solo single was “New Fad”, which didn’t catch on with listeners or radio programmers. Two more singles followed—“Good Morning Mr. Sun” and “Where Is My Angel”—both of which also failed to chart.
Breakthrough: “Look for a Star”
Deane Hawley’s big break came in 1960 when he released his version of “Look for a Star,” a song originally recorded by British singer Garry Mills. The song had gained attention in the UK and was featured in the British horror film Circus of Horrors. Hawley’s American version capitalized on that popularity.
His version peaked at No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 in mid-1960, becoming his only major hit. The single’s modest charm, upbeat orchestration, and Hawley’s smooth delivery made it a radio favorite during the summer months.
Interestingly, the U.S. market saw multiple competing versions of the song by different artists, including Buzz Cason (under the name Garry Miles) and Mills himself. Despite the competition, Hawley’s version stood out enough to make a lasting impression.
Continued Efforts and Modest Success
After “Look for a Star,” Hawley continued releasing singles but struggled to duplicate his earlier success. In 1961, he charted again with “Pocketful of Rainbows,” a cover of an Elvis Presley tune originally featured in the film G.I. Blues. Hawley’s version reached No. 93 on the Billboard Hot 100, a modest entry that marked the last time he would appear on the national charts.
Over the next few years, he released singles on several labels, including Liberty, Warner Bros., and Sundown Records. Songs like “Queen of the Angels,” “I Know She’ll Be There,” and “Love of the Common People” showed his continued dedication to music, but they received little airplay or commercial attention.
By the late 1960s, Hawley’s releases became more sporadic, and his public profile diminished.
Later Life and Legacy
Although he eventually stepped back from the recording industry, Deane Hawley continued to be active in music circles behind the scenes. Information on his post-recording career is limited, but it’s clear he remained involved in creative work while also pursuing academic and personal growth.
He died on December 25, 2002, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His passing on Christmas Day marked the end of a quiet but determined career in pop music.
While his name may not appear frequently in retrospectives or documentaries, collectors and fans of early 1960s pop continue to appreciate his recordings. “Look for a Star” has been included in several compilations over the years, preserving his brief moment of fame.
Overview of Discography
Deane Hawley’s discography spans roughly a decade, with releases across several labels. His early singles leaned toward teen pop and ballads, while his later work incorporated folk-pop and mid-’60s soft rock elements. Though commercial success was limited, his music is still circulated among collectors of obscure pop vinyl and early rock ‘n’ roll.
Selected Discography (with context)
Valor Records (1958)
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“The Mummy’s Bracelet” / “Don’t Keep Me Guessin’”
Debut with The Crystals, focused on novelty and doo-wop influences.
Dore Records (1959–1960)
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“New Fad” / “Pretty Little Mary”
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“Good Morning Mr. Sun” / “Bossman”
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“Where Is My Angel” / “I’ll Never Be a Fool Again”
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“Like a Fool” / “Stay at Home Blues”
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“Rainbow” / “Hey There”
These singles reflected the label’s signature blend of West Coast pop and teen ballads.
Liberty Records (1961–1962)
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“Pocketful of Rainbows” / “That Dream Could Never Be”
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“Queen of the Angels” / “You Conquered Me”
Liberty aimed to give him a more polished pop sound, in line with other acts on its roster.
Warner Bros. Records (1964)
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“I Know She’ll Be There” / “You’ll Never Have to Cry Again”
A more mature sound with pop-folk influences.
Sundown Records (1969)
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“Love of the Common People” / “I Hate to See Me Go”
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“That’s the Name of the Game” / “Canterbury Train”
These final singles had a slightly more contemporary style but did not gain significant airplay.
Conclusion
Deane Hawley’s music career may have been short-lived, but his work—especially his 1960 hit “Look for a Star”—left a trace in early pop history. His dedication to music, even without widespread recognition, is a testament to the passion many artists share: creating and recording because they love the craft. Though labeled a “one-hit wonder,” Hawley’s catalog remains a small but interesting part of American pop’s transition from the 1950s into the early 1960s.