Edwin Hawkins

Edwin Hawkins
The Edwin Hawkins Singers performing at the 1970 Edison Awards
The Edwin Hawkins Singers performing at the 1970 Edison Awards
Background information
Birth nameEdwin Reuben Hawkins
Born(1943-08-19)August 19, 1943
Oakland, California, U.S.
DiedJanuary 15, 2018(2018-01-15) (aged 74)
Pleasanton, California, U.S.
GenresGospel
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, producer
Instrument(s)Vocals, keyboards
Years active1960s–1990s
LabelsPavilion, 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)".