*(Fremont, CA) – Friends, family and fans came from all over the nation to celebrate the life of gospel music legend Edwin Hawkins who died January 15 of complications from pancreatic cancer. He was memorialized with music on Tuesday night at Harbor Light Church in Fremont, CA, a city neighboring his native Oakland.
Bishop Yvette Flunder facilitated the first of a two-night memorial musical that included some of Hawkins’s music including his iconic song, “Oh Happy Day.” It became the first gospel song to cross genre and racial lines, and put the Edwin Hawkins Singers on the map for the ages.
Among the speakers were Bishop Kenneth Ulmer of the Faithful Central Bible Church of Inglewood, California who joked about dancing to “Oh Happy Day” at the nightclub back in the day. He also shared about the impact Hawkins has had on gospel music.
Several gospel music icons were in attendance including Lady Tramaine Hawkins, Edwin’s former sister-in-law who was married to his late brother, Walter Hawkins during the height of The Hawkins Family’s music dynasty. Bebe Winans, Richard Smallwood, Dr. Bobby Jones, and Chanel Haynes of Trin-i-tee 5:7 fame were spotted in the crowd.
Vashawn Mitchell sang “What is This” and Tonex, aka “BSlade” led a powerful, foot-stomping rendition of “I Need Your Spirit.” The Edwin Hawkins Celebration Choir rendered several selections and ended the evening singing “Oh Happy Day.”
Edwin Hawkins was 74 at the time of his death.
Story by Dr. Eric J. Chambers/TheCUTNetwork.com
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