source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ersel_Hickey Early life He was born Ersel O'Hickey, named after the family doctor, Dr. Ersel[1]. His mother was from Kingston, Ontario; his father, who was Irish, died when Hickey was four. He was one of eight children. ...show more

source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ersel_Hickey Early life He was born Ersel O'Hickey, named after the family doctor, Dr. Ersel[1]. His mother was from Kingston, Ontario; his father, who was Irish, died when Hickey was four. He was one of eight children.

His mother had a nervous breakdown and was put into a mental hospital, while he was put into foster homes. He would frequently run away, living in different parts of New York State. When Hickey was 15, he started traveling with his sister Chicky Evans, an exotic dancer. She was very popular in the carnival circuits and together they traveled for about a year.

He decided to go on his own and travel with the carnival, then left and then began living in Columbus, Ohio. From there he was sent to a "tough kids" home, where he became familiar with the main rhythm and blues groups and started singing with the gospel group there. [edit] Career In 1954, Hickey heard Elvis Presley's "I Don't Care if the Sun Don't Shine" and became a devoted fan of rock and roll. He was playing a few places in Rochester, New York that his brother booked him in; he was drawing very well. ...show less