Edwin Hawkins | |
|---|---|
 The Edwin Hawkins Singers performing at the 1970 Edison Awards | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Edwin Reuben Hawkins |
| Born | August 19, 1943 Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Died | January 15, 2018 (aged 74) Pleasanton, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Gospel |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, producer |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, keyboards |
| Years active | 1960s–1990s |
| Labels | Pavilion, Buddah, Myrrh |
Edwin Reuben Hawkins (August 19, 1943 – January 15, 2018) was an American gospel musician, pianist, vocalist, choir master, composer, and arranger. He was one of the originators of the urban contemporary gospel sound. As the leader of the Edwin Hawkins Singers, he was probably best known for his arrangement of "Oh Happy Day" (1968–69), which was included on the "Songs of the Century" list. In 1970, the Edwin Hawkins Singers made a second foray into the charts, backing folk singer Melanie on "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)".