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Bishop Walter L. Hawkins (May 18, 1949 — July 11, 2010) |
As I was viewing some of my online pages yesterday, there was a message that stated that a person with a huge household name had transitioned. This singer-songwriter-pastor-choir director has supplied so many beautiful, prolific songs for decades. Most of the songs are performed or ministered all over the world by different races, cultures, classes.
Bishop Walter Hawkins was first heard with his older brother Edwin, after the Grammy-nominated song, "OH HAPPY DAY" was recorded, and toured with the Edwin Hawkins Singers. In 1972, he was given the opportunity of recording a solo album, "Do Your Best." But in 1975, the album that really provided true recognition for Walter was "Love Alive," which included his church choir, Love Center, from the church he established, and his then-wife, Tramaine Davis Hawkins. They performed live songs, such as "Follow Me," "Changed," "God Is Standing By," "Goin' Up Yonder" and "I'm Not The Same." It was the beginning of great things to come for the minister of music. In 1977, "Jesus Christ Is The Way" was recorded in studio, which Walter wrote the title song, along with all the others, including "I Need Your Spirit" and "He Brought Me."
God continued to bless him in 1978 with the making of "Love Alive II." Songs that were included on this great recording were, "Never Alone," "He's That Kind of Friend," "Be Grateful" and "I'm Goin' Away." What an amazingly, well-done God experience. As the years came, God showered Walter Hawkins with a plethora of musical masterpieces, that really would take you to higher heights, and deeper depths. "Special Gift," "Full And Complete," "Thank You" and so many more, up to songs from "Love Alive's 25th Anniversary" recording, became inspirational theme songs for any choir that wanted to minister real testimonials.
I have always loved Bishop Hawkins work, and have very fond memories, singing different titles from his repertoire with several choirs. I recall hearing "He's That Kind of Friend," being sung by one particular choir that I was able to minister with in 1979. The lead vocalist was so amazing, and I experienced a true spiritual awakening before the song was over! Even today, when I think or listen to the albums, cassettes or CD's, the mere astonishment floods my soul just as if they were just released yesterday.
He was such an amazing, anointed man of God, both in music and word, and I will never forget him. He is a pure, legendary figure, and his God-given catalog will live on and continue to bless everyone.
This amazing man left this world after a long 2-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Bishop, you will be missed terribly, but we know that you are "goin' to a place" where there will be no more crying, no more dying, no more pain or suffering. Only joy, peace, happiness and love! 'Goin' Away,' to a place, prepared just for you; a special place, you'll live eternally!
Rest now, my brother!
Rest now, my brother!
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