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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: Manford H. on 7/12/2010 11:26AM
My prayers are with the Hawkins family. Your music has blessed me for over 35 years. I thank God for Bishop Hawkins and "All" of you (thanks Richard S.). I think back to the days when Rev. Milton Brunson
announced that the Hawkins singers would be special guests at the Thompson Community Singers' Annual Concert at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago, Rev. Brunson was excited (you could hear the excitement
in his radio announcements). After that concert, I knew why he was so excited, I too was "Changed". Later, I got to visit Love Center on McArthur Blvd. in Oakland, for services. Imagine the blessing of holding hands with Tremaine, Lynette and others in a small prayer circle to end a Wednesday night bible study. You made me feel at home while I was a long way from home. I've grown spiritually and been educated through worship with you in about 6 of the Music and Arts Conferences. Your contributions to the Chicago Gospel Festivals were spectacular too. All this to say thanks, for the BIG way you and your music have blessed my life. I "Thank the Lord For All You've Done For Me" and for The "Happy Days" (thanks Edwin H.) you have inspired, for me and many others all over the world. Manford H. Chicago, Il.
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By: kitten on 7/12/2010 11:31AM
This is not the place to advocate partners/sex!!!!!!!!!!!How dare you mention God and go into that. This is for respectOf BishopHawkins /sending condolances and sharing about the Christ life he lived.
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By: Lillian on 7/12/2010 6:45PM
I know we are supposed to be happy because he is gone home to be with GOD but it is still sad. He will be missed!
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By: hislonv on 7/12/2010 11:51AM
I had the priveledge of working on the Love Alive II album with Walter and on a few other projects with The Hawkins Family. The one line that stays in my mind is from Be Grateful - for there is someone else that is worse off than you.
I'm sure Walter is up in heaven and on his way to choir practice now. No more suffering here on earth. Just getting ready for the big gospel concert for God. He has joined those who departed for heaven before him to make more glorious music with the Heaven Gospel All Star Band.
My condolences to the Hawkins family.
Glory to God!
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By: Michael on 7/12/2010 11:59AM
For that person advertising that dating service message. Please have some respect for the Hawkins family. That was a totally disrespectful comment that I hope will be remove.
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By: holyman03 on 7/12/2010 2:44PM
Amen! That dating service plug was completely tasteless.
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By: jason james on 7/12/2010 1:24PM
There is no death, there are no dead.
RIP is a well intentioned sentiment, but people in the afterlife make fun of us, that we think they are 'sleeping' in 'eternal rest.'
There are endless dimensions, suited to your own personal development and taste, and your evolution as God's co-creator is entirely up to you. Hawkins can contine with music, which I'm sure he will, but at a much more elevated level we can't even imagine. It's why music touches us so, it blends, just for it's highest moments, the two worlds and our Eternal Home.
We are really only "resting" here, in a way station.
Long Live Hawkins! (He doesn't really have a choice, lol, there is no such thing as death).
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By: Bob on 7/12/2010 12:17PM
RIP Brother Hawkins. Thanks for the music and for the testimonies. You have fought the good fight.
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By: Charlene E. Cothran on 7/12/2010 12:39PM
When I redicated my life to Christ, I disposed of most of my old music library and some of the first music I reached for to replace it was vintage Walter Hawkins and Family. God has used this family to forever impact generations of people still hungry for the traditional praise & worship expereince. I am praying for the Hawkins family to allow true revival to brake out during their celebration of a Kingdom hero. Walter, rest. We'll see you Up Yonder!
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By: Rosetta Mason, Voices of Gospel on 7/26/2010 4:30PM
To the Hawkins family, there will be only one Walter Hawkins. After so much pain ans suffering, God said come on home and rest. From all the heart ache, problems and all that this world had to offer to such a great Minister, Father, Husband, and Friend. Now he's in the bosom of our Father resting in the arms of Jesus. Cry NO MORE my Brother Edwin from all of us to you.
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