R&B musician Screamin' Jay Hawkins [ tickets ], known for his trademark shriek and wild stage show--which he sometimes opened by emerging from a coffin--died in a hospital near Paris on Saturday (2/12). He was 70.

According to European press reports, Hawkins died of complications following surgery earlier in the week on an obstructed bowel.

Though he first wanted to be an opera singer, Hawkins mutated his piano and saxophone skills and his booming scream into a bluesy novelty act that inspired many rock vocalists.

He is best known for his over-the-top performance of the 1956 single "I Put A Spell On You," which was covered by several well-known artists, including Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Animals, The Who and Nina Simone. Hawkins' other better-known songs include "Constipation Blues," Yellow Coat,'' and ''Alligator Wine.''

He would often perform with a bone through his nose, and his props included "Henry," a cigarette-smoking skull.

Hawkins was born in Cleveland, and was said to have been abandoned by his mother when he was 18 months old. According to various biographies, he was adopted and raised by Native Americans. He joined the Army at age 14.

Hawkins' role in the 1989 film "Mystery Train" led to several other movie appearances in the 1990s, and he actively toured in the U.S. and Europe through the decade. Before his death, he was living in a Paris suburb.