[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 21 (Friday, February 2, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING EDWIN HAWKINS ON HIS PASSING

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                           HON. ERIC SWALWELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 2, 2018

  Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize 
Pleasanton resident Edwin Hawkins on the occasion of his passing on 
January 15, 2018.
  Edwin was born and raised in Oakland, California, and began his 
musical performances early in life, performing on the keyboard in local 
church groups. In 1967, he helped co-found the Northern California 
State Youth Choir with his friend Betty Watson.
  In 1968, as part of a fundraising effort for the Youth Choir to 
attend a competition in Southern California, Edwin composed, and led 
the Edwin Hawkins Singers in recording, Let Us Go into the House of the 
Lord, the album that included his first musical hit, ``Oh, Happy Day.'' 
That song won a Grammy for Best Soul Gospel Performance in 1970, having 
reached a top-5 spot on both the Billboard pop and R&B charts the year 
before, and helped launch Edwin's national career.
  Edwin would continue to compose and record gospel music, often 
pushing the limits of the genre by incorporating elements of other 
styles, including rap, into his music. ``To My Father's House,'' ``Give 
Me a Star,'' and the Grammy-winning hits ``Every Man Wants to Be Free'' 
and ``Wonderful!'' are among his many later works. Edwin also toured 
around the world, including with his late brother Wayne Hawkins, and he 
was voted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame in 2007.
  Many artists would come to reference Edwin and his works as 
inspiration for their own performances. ``Oh, Happy Day'' was recorded 
by numerous singers, including Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, and 
Johnny Mathis, and George Harrison said it was the inspiration for his 
work ``My Sweet Lord.'' Edwin also sponsored the Edwin Hawkins Music 
and Arts Seminar to teach music business practices to new artists.
  Services in celebration of his life will be held on February 6 and 7 
at the Harbor Light Church in Fremont, California. In keeping with 
Edwin's altruistic legacy, the Hawkins family has asked that donations 
be made to the Music and Arts Seminar in lieu of flowers.
  Edwin's contribution to the musical world was truly extraordinary. I 
want to acknowledge him for his remarkable work and pass along my 
condolences to his family and friends.

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