Edwin Hawkins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edwin Hawkins
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The Edwin Hawkins Singers performing at the 1970 Edison Awards
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Edwin Reuben Hawkins |
| Born | August 19, 1943 Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Died | January 15, 2018 (aged 74) Pleasanton, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Gospel |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, producer |
| Instruments | Vocals, keyboards |
| Years active | 1960s–1990s |
| Labels | Pavilion, Buddah, Myrrh |
| Associated acts | Walter Hawkins, Tramaine Hawkins, Andraé Crouch |
Edwin Reuben Hawkins (born August 19, 1943 – died January 15, 2018) was a famous American gospel musician. He was a talented pianist, choir leader, and music writer. Edwin Hawkins helped create a new style of gospel music. He was best known for his amazing song "Oh Happy Day". This song became a huge hit in 1968 and 1969. It was even added to the "Songs of the Century" list. His group, the Edwin Hawkins Singers, also sang with folk singer Melanie. They performed on her popular song "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)".
Contents
Early Life and Music Journey
Edwin Hawkins was born in Oakland, California, in 1943. He started playing the keyboard for his family's gospel group at just seven years old. He was a very talented musician from a young age.
In 1967, Edwin Hawkins helped start the Northern California State Youth Choir. This choir had almost 50 members. They recorded their first album to help raise money. They wanted to go to a big choir competition in Washington, D.C. The album was called Let Us Go into the House of the Lord.
How "Oh Happy Day" Became a Hit
The choir came in second place at the competition. But something even bigger happened! A radio DJ in San Francisco found their album. He loved the song "Oh Happy Day" and played it on his station. People instantly loved it, and it became a huge hit!
The main singer on "Oh Happy Day" was Dorothy Combs Morrison. Other soloists on the album included Elaine Kelly and Tramaine Davis. When the song became popular, the group signed a record deal. They released a second album, He's A Friend Of Mine, in 1969. But "Oh Happy Day" was the song that truly took off.
It sold over a million copies in just two months! The song became popular not just in gospel music, but also on pop music charts. It reached number 4 in the U.S. and number 2 in the UK. It was a number 1 hit in France and Germany. "Oh Happy Day" sold over 7 million copies around the world. Edwin Hawkins won his first Grammy Award for this amazing song.
More Hit Songs and Performances
In 1970, the Edwin Hawkins Singers had another Top 10 hit. They sang with Melanie on her song "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)". This song reached number 6 in the U.S. and was a Top 10 hit in many other countries.
In 1990, Edwin Hawkins had another hit song called "If at First You Don't Succeed (Try Again)". This song was popular on the R&B music charts.
Edwin Hawkins also worked on movies. In the 1992 film Leap of Faith, he was the choir leader for the gospel songs. His group's performance of "Oh Happy Day" from 1969 was featured in the 2021 documentary Summer of Soul.
Edwin Hawkins passed away on January 15, 2018, at the age of 74. He died from pancreatic cancer at his home in Pleasanton, California.
Music Albums
Edwin Hawkins released many albums throughout his career. Here are some of them:
- 1968: Let Us Go into the House of the Lord
- 1969: He's A Friend Of Mine
- 1969: Oh Happy Day (a re-release of his 1968 album)
- 1969: Jesus, Lover of My Soul
- 1969: Hebrew Boys
- 1969: Lord Don't Move That Mountain
- 1969: Ain't It Like Him
- 1970: Live at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam
- 1970: Candles in the Rain with Melanie Safka
- 1970: Pray For Peace
- 1970: More Happy Days
- 1971: Try the Real Thing
- 1969: Peace Is Blowin' In The Wind
- 1971: Children Get Together
- 1972: I'd Like To Teach the World To Sing
- 1973: New World
- 1976: Wonderful
- 1977: The Comforter
- 1977: Edwin Hawkins Presents the Matthews Sisters
- 1979: Edwin Hawkins Live at the Symphony
- 1981: Edwin Hawkins Live with the Oakland Symphony Orchestra
- 1982: Imagine Heaven
- 1982: Edwin Hawkins Live with the Oakland Symphony Orchestra & The Love Center Choir Volume II
- 1983: Edwin Hawkins presents The Music and Arts Seminar Mass Choir
- 1984: Angels Will Be Singing with the Music and Arts Seminar Mass Choir
- 1985: Have Mercy with the Music and Arts Seminar Mass Choir
- 1987: Give Us Peace with the Music and Arts Seminar Mass Choir
- 1988: People in Need with Tramaine Hawkins and the Edwin Hawkins Singers
- 1988: That Name with the Music and Arts Seminar Mass Choir
- 1990: Face to Face
- 1994: Kings and Kingdoms with the Music and Arts Seminar Mass Choir
- 1995: Anything is Possible
- 1998: Love Is the Only Way
Compilation Albums
- 1989: 18 Great Songs
- 1998: The Very Best Of
Awards and Honors
Edwin Hawkins won four Grammy Awards during his career:
- 1970: Best Soul Gospel Performance for "Oh Happy Day"
- 1971: Best Soul Gospel Performance for "Every Man Wants to Be Free"
- 1977: Best Soul Gospel Performance, Contemporary for "Wonderful!"
- 1993: Best Gospel Choir or Chorus Album for Edwin Hawkins Music & Arts Seminar Mass Choir – Recorded Live in Los Angeles
In 2007, Edwin Hawkins was honored by being added to the Christian Music Hall of Fame. He attended the awards show in 2009.
Images for kids
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Edwin Hawkins Singers in 1970
See also
In Spanish: Edwin Hawkins para niños
