Walter Hawkins, Great Singer, Gospel Song Writer and Minister of Christ Died July 11, 2010

As reported by Yahoo News here, world renowned gospel recording artist, songwriter and minister of God Walter Hawkins died on July 11, 2010 of pancreatic cancer at the age of 61.

Walter Hawkins began ministering for the Lord at the age of 19. His ministry and spiritual career walking with the Lord began as he worked with his brother singing gospels. Before taking on a project to raise funds, they felt their work would be meager but continued. When Walter and Edwin correlated on producing an album, they decided to rewrite the traditional "Oh Happy Day" tune. Modifying the version to a more contemporary sound created a tune that would make history cementing their place in the world as gospel recording superstars.

The Hawkins brothers version of "Oh Happy Day" resulted in an album, they originally hoped would help recover the cost to produce in addition to helping to make a few dollars towards charity. But, never did they realize the impact the version would make on the gospel world. With only 500 copies released the album ended up selling millions.

So began the amazing gospel journey of the Hawkins brothers. A trip that not only intensified their journey in Christ, but made them superstars. The release of the album also resulted in contracts for other members of the Edwin and Walter Hawkins Singing group. The female lead in "Oh Happy Day", Dorothy Morrison, with her strong vocals and talent signed her own contract with Buddha records. Dorothy's strong vocals and singing talent added a depth to each song recorded.

Walter Hawkins delved deep into his soul. He released numerous other songs which helped to seal his gospel fate, enhanced his talent, exploded his career and grounded his position in history as one of the most prolific and anointed ministers ever singing praises to the Lord.

His song "Until I found the Lord" had such depth it made worshipers weep in anticipation of the day they could cry out that they had found the Lord.

Walter went on to pen more songs of praise and worship. Each recording seemed to be a little more powerful in the spirit than the other until he was called home. His list of songs include: Marvelous, Going Up Yonder, Until I found the Lord, Changed, Be Grateful, Jesus Christ is the Way, I'm Not The Same, Holy Spirit, Everybody Ought to Know, Jesus Made a Way, What is This, Thank You Lord, I love Jesus More, I'm A Pilgrim and many more. Click on any one of the links to listen to Walter or his choir sing.

Walter Hawkins gone but never will his place in the gospel world be forgotten.

Sources;

Yahoo News Reporting Death of Walter Hawkins
You tube
Walter Hawkins Funeral