Bishop Walter Hawkins, one of the greatest contributors to gospel music to ever live, has passed into his next life in Heaven.
At the age of 61, Bishop Hawkins passed yesterday at his home in Ripon, CA, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Hawkins, the pastor of Love Center Church, leaves two children to celebrate him– Walter Hawkins, Jr. (aka Jamie Hawkins) and Trystan Hawkins. His older brother, Edwin Hawkins, shared: “I lost my brother, my pastor, and my best friend. Bishop Hawkins suffered bravely but now he will suffer no more, and he will be greatly missed.”
With an impeccable songwriting ability and a gift to arrange vocals like few others can, the Grammy and Stellar-award winning Hawkins still stands strong as a giant in gospel music. Known for such classic songs as “Changed,” “Be Grateful,” “Goin’ Up Yonder,” “I’m Not the Same,” “Holy One,” and “Jesus Christ Is the Way,” he left an indelible mark on the sound and style of contemporary gospel music. And introducing us to voices like that of his sister, Lynette Hawkins-Stephens, and his former wife, the incomparable Tramaine Hawkins, Walter Hawkins’ contribution to gospel music is multi-faceted.
He informed us, decades ago, of what an ensemble should sound like. And we now hear it today in the vocal arrangements and styles of gospel greats Donald Lawrence and Richard Smallwood.
He showed us, decades ago, how a man’s voice can soar limitlessly into the stratosphere, and we hear it today in the range, approach and ability of Donnie McClurkin.
Hawkins demonstrated for us, decades ago, how a church choir can record music for the Kingdom, and still be as relevant more than 30 years later. And we see it in the representation of the albums Love Alive I, Love Alive II, Love Alive III, Love Alive IV and Love Alive V. And we would have seen it in Love Alive VI, which was to be recorded live later this year.
I didn’t say anything about it yesterday, not here on the blog, nor on Twitter or Facebook, where comments and questions ran rampant. I guess I couldn’t quite bring myself to confirm it. I wanted so badly for all of us, even those who were with him at the time of his passing, to just be wrong. I wanted the message I got about it to have been a typo, or that the person who told me was simply misinformed, or perhaps joking.
But I knew that it was true. I knew it.
I grew up on the gospel music of two families in my household– the Winans family and the Hawkins family. No one has informed my understanding of gospel music more than Walter Hawkins. No one can be credited with sparking my passion for the gospel industry more than Walter Hawkins. No one’s music is as classic, as memorable, as timeless in my own life as the music of Walter Hawkins.
How can a man that I’ve spoken with only once have been used by God to contribute so greatly to the course and direction of my life? I know where he is, and that it’s better than being around here. I, admit, though, that I selfishly want him here. I want more– more music from him, and more community with him.
And then, I have to remind myself that the music will be even better later. Fellowship and community with him will be infinitely greater, later. And so, I’ll wait.
In the meantime, I’ll miss him here. I’ll miss impomptu performances by him at various musical events across the country. I’ll miss knowing he’s just over in Oakland whenever someone sings a Hawkins tune (because forever, they will be sung). I’ll miss looking forward to his next album.
All week, I’ll be posting videos of Walter Hawkins, perhaps some random thoughts and facts about him and/or the songs that he wrote. I don’t know how I’ll decide what to post– so much of what he did meant so much to me. But stick around here, if you want, and celebrate his incredible life and legacy with me.
Wonderful commentary....I don't know where I would be without the encouragement in my faith through the music that Walter Hawkins was inspired to create.
It is amazing how Bishop Hawkins music is timeless. "Until I Found the Lord" mean just as much today as it did when I heard it as a child. The first song I put on my Ipod was 'Jesus Christ is the Way " I was not ashamed either. I use his songs to uplift me when I am down and to keep me lifted when times are good. His lyrics were so personal and heartfelt. I can say that I do not have to go out today and buy his music because he has passed. I already have so many. But can say I will cherish the songs in a different way. To the Marvelous, Incredible and Astonishing man of God.....I celebrate you and thank you for allowing God to use you! Rest forever in the arms of God...
Great commentary! My thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends, & all of us who grew up on his records. God bless!
I can remember Sunday mornings in my grandma's house. She'd get all the boys ready and we had to sit and play in the living room while she and the girls got ready. Breakfast was done and the record player would be on. I had NO idea that the sounds I was hearing on the record player were molding me in the ways that it has. Musically... and the concepts of God, faith, work, repentance... His music! Those songs, those singers! The Bishop himself soaring on notes never even HEARD before from a man! This was the first step in contemporary Gospel music! And Lynette! Edwin! Tramaine! Shirley Miller! Feddie! Adrian Cryer!! Yvette Flunder!! To grow up on Love Alive I, II, III -- and later IV and V -- was an immense blessing. I am grateful to have spoken with him on several occasions... and he ALWAYS took the time to listen to me tell HIM about HIS life and HIS music, LOL. I'm certain that he was very aware of what his music has meant to several generations of us. A 2-hour lunch after church turned into 5-hours yesterday, remembering and appreciating Bishop Walter Hawkins. He is beloved and he will be missed. Praying for his family, friends and all of us who are devastated by such a great loss.
He will be greatly missed but I praise the Lord that he brought such a precious gift into the world. I thank God for the life of Bishop Hawkins and the talents that he shared with the world. I look forward to seeing your postings this week EJ. I am praying for everyone who loves him, we sang and listened to his songs on yesterday after hearing of his passing as well. He was such a blessing and left a remarkable impact on the world.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Bishop Walter Hawkins.May his soul rest in peace.
The first gospel song that ever touched my life and heart was "Thank You". My cousin sang the solo in our gospel choir at church and it still has a powerful effect on me to this day. Bishop Walter Hawkins and the entire Walter Hawkins family have put an indelible mark on the way I write and sing all music. Because of their work, I know there are so many ways that Gospel music can push the envelope and I am grateful to have known the music of this COGIC giant through the singing of our seemingly insignificant Gospel Choir at a Catholic church in Baltimore growing up! After all, that was Bishop Hawkins' vision...that Love would be at the center and not denomination! Amen brother and thank you!
I'm Going Away, Change, Jesus Christ Is The Way, I'm Not The Same, Grateful, Dear Jesus I love You.....the list is endless, and all these beautiful songs impacted my life on this journey. Thank you God for giving us Walter Hawkins for truly he was a "special gift ."
I'm ashamed to say that I dont know much of his music catalogue tho I loved him on Donald Lawrences 'Seasons' Hopefully as EJ posts links to his music this week I'll identify some tracks that I know but didnt know was him.. Praying for the strength of the family...
Sigh.... It's difficult to hear one who added an entirely new sound to gospel music has left here, esp. from sickness...esp. the illness he had. Hopefully we can find peace in his passing in the fact that Walter Hawkins used his gifts and talents to generate some of the pioneering, groundbreaking sounds of gospel that will last through eternity. "Thank You", "Be Grateful", "Going Up Yonder", "Dear Jesus I Love You", "I'm Not the Same" I could go on and on.... Let's remember his life in the example that whatever the Lord has assigned you to do, DO IT! Do it strong. Do it with passion. Do it with sincerity. Do it in obedience. Do it with flair and style and grace, like Walter Hawkins did. Peace to you all....
It was the music if this great legendary gospel artist that i lived on in the 80s and 90s more definitively. I had all his series of Love Alive on LPs and looked forward to each offering. Every church choir in America sang 'Changed'! He has now changed from mortal to immortality! To ever be with the Lord! I can only imagine the songs that will be sung at his memorial; Going Up Yonder will just be sung with the reality; he spoke it in song and it has come to reality! To the Hawkins Family the gospel community mourns with you today; be strengthened by the grace and power of God...Faith Deliverance Church of God in Christ
EJ, you gon' make me cry... Changed, Grateful, Thank You, and above all, Marvelous are songs that I cannot attempt to sing seriously without balling my eyes out. One of my closest friends used to SANG the lead to "Jesus Christ is the Way" and take the church out (as best you can do at an Adventist church, lol). One of my bffs favorite gospel song is "Goin' Up Yonder". I'll be listening to my Love Alive CDs today. RIP Bishop Hawkins. May God's Spirit comfort your family and closest friends during this difficult time. And may the TV networks plan a special musical celebration in your honor IMMEDIATELY!
RIP.
Hold up ...Thank you Lord was written by Walter Hawkins.....am youtubing and finding so much music which I never knew was his...wooooooow. Such a prolific songwriter.....
Kwartema, you won't be disappointed. Why wait? Just start You Tubing and downloading now, lol.
I'm deeply saddened by the lost of such a remarkable man of God! I too grew up on his music and he is one of the great songwriters and singers of our time. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, church, and all the lives of those he touched across the world because I know there are many! I'm grateful for all of the wonderful songs that God allowed him to birth. They are timeless classics to me and will always remain in my heart and memory. God bless.
I pray that at the very least, BET, The Word Network and TBN....
Another thing: although Bishop Hawkins' passing is an unfortunate way for this to happen, those who did not know (esp. newer generations) about the Hawkins gospel legacy will be exposed to the music and they will discover what gospel music sounded like (in comparison to some of today's music). There was NO DOUBT about WHO or WHAT they were singing about: they were singing about Jesus Christ and their lyrics clearly stated as such.
Thanks for putting my grief into words. I grew up in the bay area listening to Bishop Hawkins and the Love Center Choir ! i miss him but I'm grateful that he shared his gift with us all.....Rest in peace Man of God!
Gal I just have and am in tears upon listening to 'Jesus Christ is the way.'. absolutely loved ' Marvelous' tooooo Gal I'ma make up for lost time and definitely starting getting his collection...
You put into words all that I am feeling.Growing up we only had two albums in our home, Aretha Franklins Amazing Grace and Walter Hawkins Love Alive 2. Which taught me how to listen for choir parts. Bishop was my dream Duet. I just can't believe it.
beautiful EJ!
Tam Tam, I can't remember the last time I listened to these Love Alive CDs...so I'm being reintroduced in a way. School is def in session! Listening to "He's That Kind of Friend" right now...
BEAUTIFUL post EJ!!!! What a wonderful man of God he was. I am grateful (as a teenager) my parents and I visited his church in Oakland and BOY was it an awesome service. The choir's capacity took over the ENTIRE stage (and they sounded wonderful), and his word that Sunday (of course) was phenomenal. He will truly and deeply be missed. I'm sure you're wearing your robe and crown with honor up their with our Father Walter. :o )
I'm powering my mp3 player to play that song. That's my favorite Walter Hawkins song. There are many of his compositions that will get an immediate hand raised up in worship. Have you ever been in worship and the first couple of chords are played...then you instantly raise your hand in expectation that the song is ministering/has ministered to you? Too many of Walter Hawkins songs are that way.
When I was a child, my mother would play "Goin Up Yonder "all the time. I didnt understand what it meant, but I knew it was different than the R&B i listened to. By the lyrics and Tramaine's voice, it was a peculiar feeling...an uplifting one. I can see the album cover just as plain as day...All I knew was that it made my mother feel good and lifted her spirits. I knew it was gospel and it would penetrate the house. As an adult, it ministers to my soul and spirit, and I KNOW WHAT IT MEANS NOW :)...Bishop Hawkins will be missed.
Mia_v4c: I think if I listen to any of the songs today, I will start BAWLING so I'm dodging them right now.... "Changed" popped up on my phone player and I had to quickly click to the next song. I can't do it right now. And "Marvelous"? Sigh.... I might just have to go ahead and let the crying happen....
THANK YOU WAS MY FAVE AND VOICE WAS PRICELESS...MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU HAWKINS FAMILY
"THANK YOU "WAS & STILL IS MY FAVE AND HIS VOICE WAS PRICELESS...MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU HAWKINS FAMILY
Yeeeeeees, I know JUST what you mean! The intro's of "Total Praise", "Perfect Praise (How Excellent)", and countless others have that same affect on me as well.
It's unavoidable. You might as well get it out of your system now, lol. Well...wait 'til you leave work. I don't want you to scare anyone. ;-)
I am so broken by this...he was a great gift to gospel. One of the songs that I've listened to on repeat is "Dear Jesus I Love You". That was my introduction to accepting Jesus. I pray for his family & may he rest in peace.
Beautiful post. I remember as a child being enthralled by his work. I can honestly say he was one of the first artist I heard as a child that sparked my passion for music. One of the first cassettes I purchased as a child was Love alive IV. I grew up singing his songs in the choir at church and remember seeing people being touched. Throughout the years it's been great watching my favorite gospel artists cover his songs. Who hasn't sang Thank you? His voice and songs will be truly missed.
.....As it did with the passing of such greats as Mattie Moss-Clark, Milton Brunson, Thomas Whitfield & Timothy Wright, the Gospel Music community bows its head and gives a collective sigh of grief as one of it's trailblazers has gone home. A Son, A Father, A Singer, A Songwriter/Arranger, A Shepard and now a Chapter in the history of this, our music, Bishop Walter Hawkins. A giant now sleeps.
EJ, its as if you were in my living room having a conversation with me and my family! Wonderful commentary! I wish I would have been able to tell this man of God how his music and ministry blessed me so much as a child and now as a grown woman. No matter what emotion I was going through, Walter Hawkins and the Hawkins family have been there with me through song, praise and worship. I am still stunned over the news of his passing. I have never met him, but I feel as if my brother passed. But I thank God for the blessed hope that if I live my live according to His will, I will get a chance to meet Bishop Hawkins and tell him myself...... He's that kind of friend! Until we meet... RIP Bishop Hawkins. Well done!
I lovveeeeeve The Hawkins Family. My Mother cant sing worth NOTHING... BUT every time this lady testify she sing "Thank You Lord" and This is the first song I ever lead in the sunshine band.. What a Talented and Anointed Man of GOD.! I bless God for the time he was here with us... MY heart is still real Heavy.
Well, I am just speechless, what a gift to the body of christ. A few month's ago I was really feeling down about a few things and then I went to you-tube and was reminded to be greatful, that song over the last few month's has brought me through alot. To family and friends may the peace of God Gaurd your hearts and minds. To all of his fans like me the next time you sing a walter hawkins cut...rip it to shreds!!! Tear the Roof Off!! So all of heaven hears us!!! GOD Bless you Bishop Fly well Kind SIR....Speechless.
EJ, when I heard the news, I was absolutely floored. I took for granted that I'd be able to enjoy and appreciate this legend forever. I feel like he slipped out the back door on me and I didn't get to say goodbye. I loved the documentary the Gospel Music Channel did on Bishop Hawkins. It was the first time I learned about the man behind the the wonderful legacy of music that, along with the Winans and the Clark Sisters, provided the soundtrack of my life in the 80's. I pray for the Hawkins Family, his church family, and all of us who were "changed" by the message of Christ in his music.
Just a few days ago, I was trying to explain who the late Bishop Hawkins was/is to my generation. When I think of the stars of gospel today, such as Kirk Franklin & Donald Lawrence, I would be hard-pressed not to see the influence of Walter & Edwin on their music. To me, they paved the way for contemporary gospel musicians. Bishop Hawkins has left an indelible mark, not only on gospel music, but on the world of music. We are all the better because of him, and I praise God for the blessing. Rest In God, Walter...you will be missed, but only for a while.
I too am saddened by the death of Bishop Hawkins but God quickly reminds me that we will meet again very soon where we will be singing and rejoicing forever with our heavenly father! My family grew up with the Hawkins music and coming from a musical gospel family we always appreciated the annointed music. We sang so many of his songs. Some of my family had the privilege of meeting Bishop Hawkins and the Hawkins Family and I was told that "they are real down to earth people." I can testify to the fact that when I listen to his music and sing... the Holy Spirit moves...it's deep. I thank the Lord that Walter Hawkins obeyed the calling on his life and by his obedience.. just think of how many souls came to Christ through his music. The beautiful thing about his music is that it will always live and souls will continue to come to Christ! Thank you Lord!
Amazingly, I just heard today about the passing of Bishop Walter Hawkins. (July 22 '10) I was shocked...and then numb. After I came to, I thought "what a legacy!" Thoughts and prayers to the entire Hawkins family and church.