Reports are coming in that Bishop Walter Hawkins of the famed Hawkins Singers died on Sunday, July 11, 2010 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Bishop Hawkins was 61 years old.
In 1967, Bishop Hawkins' brother, Edwin Hawkins along with Betty Watson formed The Northern California State Youth Choir of the Church of God in Christ, Inc. Bishop Hawkins was a part of this group when they recorded their rendition of the mid 18th century hymn, "Oh Happy Day" in 1967. "Oh Happy Day" changed the sound of gospel music for decades to come, going on to win a Grammy in 1970 and has since gone down in music history as the bridge between Golden Era Gospel and today's Contemporary Gospel.
More information will be posted about Bishop Hawkins' passing and services as it becomes available.
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