Entertainment

Gospel Great Dr. Edwin Hawkins Turns 70

Published

12 years ago

August 18, 2013

Celebrating 70 years of life, multiple Grammy awards winning Dr. Edwin Hawkins was honored for his many innovations in Gospel and R&B music last week at the Oakland Inter-Stake Center at Oakland’s Mormon Temple.

< p>< p>The gospel gala was hosted by Richard Smallwood and Teresa Hairston (Gospel Today), with appearances by stars including Lady Tramaine Hawkins, Bishop Yvette Flunder, Lawrence Matthews, Shirley Miller, Nikki Potts and a surprise performance by ailing legend Daryl Coley.

Over 1,000 people attended the red carpet gala event. Birthday wishes came from gospel legends

Gospel Artist Nona Brown came out to celebrate Hawkins’ 70th Birthday

Sandra and Andre Couch and Hezekiah Walker. Numerous Bay Area artists including Lena Byrd-Miles, Nona Brown, Alfreda Lyons-Campbell, Demetrius Tolefree and Renee Winston, gave tribute in song to the “Father of Contemporary Gospel.”

Edwin Hawkins was born Aug. 18, 1943. By age five, he was playing the keyboard for the family’s gospel choir.

He grew up in the Campbell Village projects in West Oakland. Mamie Hawkins, his mother, recognized her children’s talents and encouraged them.

Her father Marsalis Matthews was an accomplished pianist playing classical and gospel music. Edwin Hawkins remembers there always being a piano in the house and gospel music always playing on the turntable.

Edwin Hawkins and his late brother Walter Hawkins were known as the originators of the urban contemporary gospel sound. Edwin Hawkins is best known for his funk style arrangement of the 18^th century hymn, “Oh Happy Day,” and the popular Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts Seminar Mass Choir albums.

It was the single “Oh Happy Day” on their first album, Let Us go To the House of the Lord in 1967, which became an international success. The song crossed over to the pop charts and placed The Hawkins’ name not only in gospel music history but the history of music, period.

The song is included on “The Song of the Century List,” garnering Hawkins his first Grammy award.

Hawkins says it was while touring in Europe that his brother Walter accepted his call to ministry. Hawkins remembers how their unique ministry took root.

“Bishop Hawkins’ ministry attracted youth who was disillusioned with the condemnation and legalism of the church,” he said. “They were excited about the chance to serve God and not be judged and flocked to what started just as scripture and prayer in our home each week.”

In 1972, the gathering as they called it, grew so large that they were forced to look for a building. “This promise and vision was to be fishers of men and let God do the judging,” says Hawkins of their ministry.

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

1 week ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.