Edwin
Hawkins of the Edwin Hawkins Singers left this life on January 15,
2018 at the age of 74. He died in Pleasanton, CA of pancreatic cancer.
Hawkins was born on August 19,
1943 in my hometown of Oakland, CA. He was a professional singer and keyboardist with his
family’s gospel choir by the age of 7. He co-founded the Northern California
State Youth Choir, which contained nearly fifty members. In 1968, the choir recorded
their first album, “Let Us Go into the House of the Lord,” on which was the international
blockbuster crossover hit “Oh Happy Day” (re-released in 1969). Hawkins was
presented a Grammy for this successful gospel / soul recording.
In addition, Hawkins was credited
with three other Grammies, consisting of 1971’s Best Soul Gospel Performance for
“Every Man Wants to Be Free”; 1978’s Best Soul Gospel Performance,
Contemporary for “Wonderful!”; and 1993’s Best Gospel Choir or Chorus
Album for Edwin Hawkins Music & Arts Seminar Mass Choir.
In 1990, Hawkins recorded a solo
project entitled “If at First You Don’t Succeed (Try Again),” which reached 89
on the R&B charts.
Hawkins was credited as the choir
master in the 1992 film, “Leap of Faith,” starring Steve Martin.
In 2007, Hawkins was inducted into
the Christian Music Hall of Fame.
Hawkins directed his gospel choir
and performed through the 1990s. He was a local star, who is still shining
brightly.
Edwin Reuben Hawkins [08/19/1943 – 01/15/2018]
© 01/21/2018
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