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Gospel music legend Bishop Walter Hawkins has died at age 61.
The Grammy Award-winning contemporary gospel singer succumbed to a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer at his home in Ripon, Calif. on Sunday.
"Today, I lost my brother, my pastor and my best friend," said Hawkins' brother, Edwin Hawkins. "Bishop Hawkins suffered bravely but now he will suffer no more and he will be greatly missed."
During his 30-plus-year career in gospel, which consisted of at least 14 albums since 1975, Hawkins created an extensive catalog of music both as a solo artist and with his family ensemble.
Songs like 'Thank You,' 'Marvelous,' 'Going Up Yonder,' 'Holy One,' 'Be Grateful,' 'It's Right and Good' and countless others have become a
nthems, earning Hawkins an induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame as well as a Trailblazer Award by his music publishing company, BMI.A singer, songwriter, producer and arranger, Hawkins found himself collaborating with artists from rocker Van Morrison, R&B star Jeffrey Osborne, actress Diahann Carroll and the late disco king Sylvester to gospel greats like Richard Smallwood, Donald Lawrence, Mississippi Mass Choir and the Williams Brothers.
In 2006, Hawkins along with brother Edwin, ex-wife Tramaine Hawkins and sister Lynette Hawkins Stephens famously performed during Oprah Winfrey's Legend's Ball Gospel Brunch.
Hawkins was also the pastor of the Love Center Church, a ministry he founded in Oakland, Calif. in 1973.
He was married to gospel great Tramaine Hawkins but the two divorced.
Hawkins is survived by his two children, Trystan Hawkins and R&B singer Walter "Jamie" Hawkins, Jr. ; daughter-in-law, gospel singer Myiia "Sunny" Hawkins; two grandchildren Jamie-Daniel and Jahve; a host of nieces and nephews; and his siblings Carol, Feddie, Edwin, Daniel, and Lynette.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
The music industry was saddened by the news of Hawkins' passing.
Gospel veteran Kurt Carr told BV Buzz that the first gospel song he ever learned was by Hawkins.
"'Jesus Christ is the Way!' That's the record that drew me to Christ. I learned to play piano to that record. Picking out the parts is how I learned to teach choirs. It was the first gospel record I had ever heard," he shared before adding: "To later work with Tramaine was the ultimate full circle moment in my life."
Many artists joined suit in the social networking realm to share condolences.
"Please be in prayer for the Hawkins Family, the Love Center Church and ALL of us in the passing of Bishop Walter Hawkins." – Asked Richard Smallwood.
"RIP to Bishop Walter Hawkins...a pioneer in Christian Music Ministry. You are forever loved and cherished." – Said 'American Idol' finalist Anwar Robinson.
"RIP Bishop Walter Hawkins! Ur gift has affected generations!" – Wrote worship leader JJ Hairston of Youthful Praise.
"My heart is so heavy. Bishop Walter Hawkins gave us more than just songs. I hope he's dancing with the Angels right now. May he Rest In Peace!" – Posted Erica Campbell of Mary Mary.
VIDEO: Watch this vintage performance footage of 'Thank You' from Bishop Walter Hawkins 'Love Alive IV.'
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Comments: (70)
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By: billions1 on 7/12/2010 10:51AM
To one of the greatest vocals of all times.
I'll see you up yonder someday, but not soon.
To the entire family, my condolences. RIP.
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By: Ferguson Family on 7/12/2010 10:19AM
To the Hawkin Family
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Walter Hawkin was part of our family as our family would always listening and sing his songs. He will always live in our hearts forever and his legancy will live on. We will truly miss him. We know that he is part of a great choir in heaven now, singing with his family. Be strong you will see him again. God bless you and your family.
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By: Joe on 7/12/2010 9:46AM
I guess he's, 'Gone Up Yonder'.
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By: Ms Atkins on 7/12/2010 10:00AM
Praises be to our GOD, for HE has gained another angel in heaven, my deepest sympathy to the Hawkins family.we all grew up with Bishop Hawkins music and inspiration, R.I.P.
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By: melinda wiggins on 7/12/2010 10:22AM
Condolosences to the Hawkins Family in the lost of a gospel great icon, Bishop Hawkins will truly be missed greatly. R.I.P
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By: dj on 7/12/2010 10:26AM
I feel as though I have lost a family member-I grew up in church singing practically each and every one of the songs he wrote and produced-and was so blessed in my life thus far to see he and the family in concert/ministry many yrs ago; my condolences to his family, and to his church family, for he truly will be missed.
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By: jean on 7/12/2010 6:56PM
Back in the day, our church Jr. Choir was a Choir to be feared. We won countless competitions with the sygniture song Going up Yonder. Our voices were strong and the power that came from within would bring the house down. Choirs did not want to sing before us nor after us. Thank you Hawkins Family for all that you have given us then and today. Rest In Peace now, for you have surely Gone Up Yonders
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By: Marvelous on 7/12/2010 10:50AM
RIP Walter Hawkins was my soul inspiration to the gospel world and it followed me throuh my life as I also changed name (aka) to "Marvelous" performed incrediblely from the inspirationa titled song "MARVELOUS" I wll dearly miss you!
Marvelous-John
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By: Nigel Wilkinson on 7/12/2010 10:52AM
The second album I got as a Christian back in 1978 was Walter Hawkins – Love Alive (the first was Andrae Crouch – LIVE at Carnegie)
I have been blessed by the music of Walter for my 32 years as a Christian. For my 24 years in broadcasting, he or those like Tramaine, Lynette and Edwin have always been on my playlist.
After receiving the news this morning, the first song I played was – I’m going away
I’m going, I’m going away,
to a place, I’ll live eternally,
special place prepared just for me;
I’m going away, (I’m going away, away).
I’m going away, I’m going away,
no more tears or sorrow over there,
we will live free from every care;
I’m going away, (I’m going away, away).
One of these mornings it won’t be long,
(You will look for me and I’ll be gone).
Going to Glory to sing and shout,
(there’ll be nobody there to put me out);
(I’m going away, I’m going away).
GOOD BYE MY BROTHER… See you soon…
Nigel Wilkinson
The Gospel Music Master
LOVE 101 FM
Kingston, Jamaica
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By: Nurse Stephanie on 7/12/2010 11:26AM
Walter Hawkins and James Cleveland were the two greatest male gospel singers of all time. When I found out about the passing of Walter Hawkins, I couldn't believe it! Whenever I was going through a rough patch in my life, I'd play songs by Walter Hawkins, and my soul would be blessed real good. So many times people will say let's pray for the family of the person who has passed away, but in this case let us not only pray for his family but pray for his global following of fans who are also mourning his death. I thank God that I knew of this man's ministry of music. Truly he was a man of God, that's why his music touched so many people, irregardless if you were saved or not, you'd be hard pressed to not have felt the spirit of the Lord move inside of you. God bless the Hawkins family, and his many, many fans.
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