Edwin Reuben Hawkins a phenomenal gift to the body of Christ, passed yesterday as uGospel.com broke the story. He was one of the originators of the urban contemporary gospel sound and widely known for his arrangement of “Oh Happy Day” (1968–69). Hawkins added a twist to the old hymnal and the music industry in general. After a battle with Pancreatic Cancer and kidney failure Hawkins transitioned at age of 74, surrounded by family in his Oakland, CA home.
Already a keyboardist for the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and the family’s gospel choir by the age of seven, Hawkins discovered music at an early age sharing, “My mother had an old hymnal and I had a knack for rearranging hymns.” “Oh Happy Day” reached No. 2 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart and No. 4 on the Pop Singles chart in 1969. The single won a Grammy in 1970 for Best Soul Gospel Performance, selling more than 7 million copies to date establishing Hawkins career. Uncloudy Days: The Gospel Music Encyclopedia, shares more about the fate of Edwin Hawkins’ musical success.
Hawkins is survived by his siblings Carol, Feddie, Daniel, and Lynette. Funeral arrangements are pending. Stay connect for updates.
