The Best of Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks (1990)

Reduced by many historians to a footnote reference as the Band's pre-Dylan employer, Ronnie Hawkins was, in fact, an estimable rock & roll and rockabilly singer who cut some fine records in the late '50s and early '60s. Whether doing justice to Leiber and Stoller (''Ruby Baby'') and Larry Williams (''Dizzy Miss Lizzy'') or dishing out his own creations, Hawkins displays unpretentious spirit and skill, with excellent, full-fire backing from a variety of lineups.