Walter Hawkins: The Pioneering Voice of Modern Gospel

Walter Hawkins was an American gospel music composer, pastor, and recording artist who helped define the contemporary gospel sound of the 1970s and beyond. Hailing from Oakland, California, his landmark 1975 album "Love Alive" became a monumental success, achieving platinum certification and spending years on the gospel charts.

Early career

Born in 1949, Walter Hawkins grew up immersed in the church music of Oakland. His early musical direction was profoundly shaped by his older brother, Edwin Hawkins, whose "Oh Happy Day" with the Edwin Hawkins Singers became a global crossover phenomenon in 1969. Walter served as a pianist and arranger for his brother's group before feeling the call to form his own ensemble and ministry.

In 1972, he founded the Love Center Church in Oakland and, the following year, the Love Center Choir. Their first recordings were local, but they quickly captured the attention of the gospel community with their vibrant, soul-infused sound that blended traditional devotion with contemporary R&B rhythms.

Breakthrough

The choir's breakthrough arrived in 1975 with the release of the album "Love Alive." Recorded live at the Love Center Church on a modest budget, the album defied all expectations. It was initially released on the local Light label but its overwhelming demand led to distribution through larger gospel networks.

"Love Alive" spent an astonishing 33 weeks at number one on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart and remained on the chart for over a decade. It eventually sold over a million copies, earning a platinum plaque and establishing the template for the modern gospel album.

Key tracks

Goin' Up Yonder — This powerful traditional hymn, led by Tramaine Hawkins, became a definitive anthem of the choir and a staple in churches worldwide.

Changed — A Walter Hawkins original, this song's message of personal transformation and its catchy, upbeat arrangement made it a central piece of the "Love Alive" experience.

Be Grateful — Another standout from the debut, this track showcased the choir's ability to merge sophisticated musicality with deeply felt worship.

Thank You — Featured on a later "Love Alive" series volume, this song demonstrated Hawkins' enduring talent for crafting memorable, praise-oriented melodies.

Later career and legacy

The success of "Love Alive" spawned a series of sequels, with "Love Alive II" (1978) and "Love Alive III" (1990) also achieving gold certification. Hawkins continued to pastor the Love Center Church and remained a prolific force in gospel, releasing albums like "Love Alive IV: The Legacy" in 1998 and "A Song in My Heart" in 2005.

His collaborations were extensive, working with artists across gospel and secular music, including his brother Edwin, Andraé Crouch, and even contributing to projects for Sylvester. Walter Hawkins received numerous Stellar Awards and a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Choir or Chorus Album in 1980 for "The Lord's Prayer."

His influence extended through his family, most notably his former wife Tramaine Hawkins, who became a gospel superstar in her own right. Walter Hawkins passed away in 2010, but his music remains a foundational pillar of contemporary gospel. For his contributions, he was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame.

Artists walking a similar path of blending soul, R&B, and powerful gospel messages include Andraé Crouch who similarly modernized gospel's sound. Donnie McClurkin carries the torch of pastor and performer with a contemporary urban flair. The family legacy continues with Edwin Hawkins whose pioneering choir sound set the stage. For a more recent take on the tradition, explore Kirk Franklin who cites the Hawkins family as a key influence on his hip-hop-infused gospel productions.

The music of Walter Hawkins maintains a constant presence on dedicated gospel radio stations and inspirational music channels. His timeless tracks are staples on Sunday morning worship broadcasts and specialty gospel programs that celebrate the genre's rich history.