Brian "Dugan" Henhawk

Brian “Dugan” Henhawk, 64, of the Onondaga Nation passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026 with his beloved wife of 42 years, Michelle, by his side.

The dynamic frontman and saxophone player from the Onondaga Eel Clan left his inimitable mark on music and all who were fortunate to know him.

From his preteen years with his first band, the Greasers, it was obvious that he possessed an audacious energy, magnetic personality, and powerful lungs every aspiring singer dreams about. Dugan was a showman. He knew how to read a room and entertain an audience… And, boy, did he put on a show. Whether he was crooning a Doowop classic, snarling a punk rock song, rocking-n-rolling, or belting out the blues, he commanded the audience and stage. Throughout the years, one might have caught Dugan tearing & twanging through a rockabilly song or playfully scatting a mellifluous, onomatopoeic sound. His skills took him to many great places and he shared the same stage as such greats as Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt, John Lee Hooker, Duke Robillard, and Mickey Hart. If you knew Dugan well, you got to hear the hilarious tale of his personal encounter with Mickey. It was one for the books. Dug possessed a sharp wit, wisdom, humor and lack of tolerance for the grandiose, facade, and bullshit. He told it like it was and he had no problem letting you know what he thought. His keen, honest observation skills made him an extraordinary storyteller and writer, and his stories (written or told) brought joy, laughter, comfort, and inspiration to many, like his music. Dugan wrote some of the most memorable songs and his classic “Whitehouse” will forever be remembered for its capture of a wild era.

Dugan’s bands included the Greasers; Slick; the MuddKats; Insurgence; Whiteboy & the Wagonburners; and the Roustabouts. He also did a side stint as the lead singer with Ron Spencer & Jumpstart.

While living in Vegas, Dugan was a regular at the Las Vegas Blues Society’s monthly jam, where he formed several friendships with greats Jimmy Carpenter; Chris Tofield; Dennis “Monk” Andriaccio; Lady J Huston; the Moanin’ Blacksnakes; the notorious, Lips; and numerous others. But his most cherished experiences and friendships were those formed with his lifelong friends and brothers: Rex Lyons, Scott Lyons, Kent Lyons, Wayne Cook, Kevin Crouse, Jamie Thomas, Dale Gibson, Ace Stout, and, of course, his Rooters family.

Dugan is survived by his wife, Michelle Cronin; a brother, Kevin “Chipmunk” Henhawk; two sisters, Connie and Joanne; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Yvonne Henhawk and sister, Kelly.

Calling hours are 1 - 4 pm Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at the Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home on South Salina Street in Syracuse, NY. A service will follow immediately after, at the funeral home. All are invited to eat with Dugan’s friends and family at the Onondaga Nation Fire Barn following the service. Dugan’s ashes will be laid to rest with his grandfather on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at the Onondaga Nation Cemetery on Route 11A at 3pm. All are welcome to help Dugan complete his journey to the Sky World.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Onondaga Nation Fire Department.