Harvey Watkins Jr. facts for kids

Harvey Lee Watkins Jr. (born November 2, 1954) is an American gospel musician. He is best known as the lead singer of The Canton Spirituals. His father, Harvey Watkins Sr., started this famous group. Harvey Jr. began his solo music career in 1990. His first album was He's There All the Time. In 2003, his album It's in My Heart – Live in Raymond, MS became very popular. It even reached the Billboard magazine Gospel Albums chart. He released another album, Keep Knocking, in 2013.

Early Life and Musical Roots

Harvey Lee Watkins Jr. was born in Canton, Mississippi, on November 2, 1954. His parents were Harvey Lee Watkins Sr. and Emma Watkins. He was their first son and fourth child. When he was three years old, Harvey got sick with Polio. This is a disease that can affect muscles. He was healed through prayer.

Growing up, Harvey was greatly influenced by his father's band, The Canton Spirituals. His uncle, Reverend I. S. Watkins, was also in the group. Harvey loved their singing from a young age. He joined the band in 1973. Today, he is still the lead singer for The Canton Spirituals. He continues to tour and perform with them.

Harvey's Solo Music Career

Harvey Watkins Jr. started his own solo music career in 1990. His first album was called He's There All the Time. It was released on October 17, 1990, by J&B Records.

His next album, It's in My Heart – Live in Raymond, MS, came out on June 17, 2003. This album was a big success for him. It reached number 11 on the Billboard magazine Gospel Albums chart. This chart lists the most popular gospel albums in the United States.

Harvey's Albums

Here is a list of the studio albums Harvey Watkins Jr. has released: