Chesney Hawkes (born 22 September 1971) is an English pop singer, songwriter and occasional actor who rose to prominence in the early 1990s. Born in Windsor, Berkshire, he became widely known for a single breakthrough hit and for a leading role in a youth-oriented film that paired him with an established rock star.

Breakthrough and signature song

Hawkes's best-known recording is the single "The One and Only", released in 1991. Written by another prominent British songwriter, the track became a defining tune of that year and spent several weeks at number one on the UK singles chart. The song's catchy chorus and prominent radio play made it a staple of early-90s pop and established Hawkes as a household name across the UK and in several international territories.

Acting and Buddy's Song

Alongside his recording success, Hawkes played the lead in the film Buddy's Song (1991), which paired him with veteran rock vocalist Roger Daltrey, who appears in the movie as a father figure. The film blended coming-of-age themes with music, giving Hawkes a crossover role that highlighted his profile as both a performer and an actor.

Career and later work

Although Hawkes is most often associated with a single hit, he continued to record albums, tour and perform live. He released further singles and worked with a variety of musicians and producers. Over time his public image alternated between that of a pop solo artist and a live performer who revisits the hit that originally brought him fame.

Notable facts and legacy

  • He is frequently cited in discussions of early-1990s British pop and the phenomenon of memorable one-hit successes; see discussions under the term singer and related entries.
  • His commercial peak centered on his chart-topping single; details of his full discography and subsequent recordings appear in specialist listings.
  • Film and television appearances, including acting credits, are documented in entertainment databases and retrospectives.

Further reading and resources

For more on his recordings, filmography and concert dates consult music archives and authorized biographies. General overviews and selected interviews provide context for his career trajectory, from his Windsor origins to later stage work. Additional materials and fan resources are available via artist pages and media profiles: official pages, biographical notes, and curated lists of performances and releases at music sites and film guides. For catalogues, credits and collaborative projects see specialized references under credits.