Legendary Gospel Singer Edwin Hawkins Dies at 74

Grammy Award winning gospel singer, composer and arranger Edwin Hawkins who helped to pioneer contemporary gospel music died early today (January 15, 2018) at the age of 74. According to his publicist, Bill Carpenter, Hawkins died at his home in Pleasanton, California following a battle with pancreatic cancer.


Edwin Hawkins was leader of the Edwin Hawkins Singers and brother of the late, legendary Bishop Walter Hawkins, was best known for his arrangement of "Oh Happy Day" which became an international hit in 1969 reaching No. 4 on the US Singles Chart, No. 1 in France, Germany and the Netherlands and No. 2 on both the UK singles chart and Irish Singles Chart.


Hawkins has won four Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame in 2007. In 2001, The Recording Industry Association of America (R.I.A.A.) ranked “Oh Happy Day” No. 63 on its Top 365 Songs of the 20th Century listing. The song has been covered by dozens of artists, including Quincy Jones, Johnny Mathis, Glen Campbell, Aretha Franklin, Jason Mraz, Susan Boyle, The Oak Ridge Boys and Elvis Presley. Hawkins was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame in 2007.







Hawkins is survived by his siblings Carol, Feddie, Daniel and Lynette.

Share on Google Plus

About Airplay 360

AIRPLAY 360 is a monthly published digital magazine designed to inform, empower and motivate independent inspirational musical artists by offering a soundboard of information provided by artists, producers, label executives and other industry professionals.