[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING EDWIN HAWKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 7, 2018

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of 
Edwin Hawkins, who passed away on January 15th at the age of 74.
  An Oakland native, Edwin was a four-time Grammy winner and gospel 
music trailblazer, whose work inspired generations and helped shape the 
contemporary Gospel music industry.
  His crossover hit, ``Oh Happy Day'', was featured in the hit movie 
``Sister Act 2'', reached No. 4 on the Billboard pop chart and No. 2 on 
the R&B pop chart. And in 2007, he was voted into the Christian Music 
Hall of Fame.
  Edwin was truly a man before his time. He was compassionate, caring, 
and never wavered from his faith.
  I have known Ed for many years and he was a source of inspiration for 
me personally. He always spoke words of encouragement and like so many 
others, I am deeply grateful for his love and kindness, which brought 
me peace and joy over the years.
  I offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Edwin 
Hawkins.

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