I've only seen postings on Facebook including on Pastor Shirley Caesar's page. Bishop Walter Hawkins passed away today at the age of 61. Gospel music fans should be familiar with his music with the Love Center Choir and the Love Alive series of albums from the mid 70's - early 90's. The Love Center Church is located in Oakland, CA. His music was my spiritual staple as child and teenager.

My Fave songs:

He Brought Me

Come By Here, Good Lord

He's That Kind of Friend

Never Alone

Be Grateful

I'm Goin Away

God Will Open Doors

Wow now the gospel world is suffering a major loss. RIP.

Oh my I am so saddened to hear this. We were just singing one of his classics this morning in church, Thank You. It gets us every time.

That song is sang in almost everyone's church, from offering time to benedicition. As well as his many other hits.

I am a part of a recording community choir so when Bishop would come to town, he would always request that we back him up. As there would be many musicals to attend, in the evenings, midnights, just a lot.

Bishop was very humble and patient, especially during song check when our nerves would be wrecked.

May the Lord give his family peace in during this difficult time.

Bishop will surley be missed.

Till we meet again

RIP

Here's one article. Word is spreading quickly on the internet.

Walter Hawkins, famed gospel singer, dead at 61

July 12, 12:21 AMUS Headlines ExaminerCindy Adams

Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, composer, and pastor, Walter Hawkins died Sunday at his home in Ripon, California after losing a battle with cancer. He was 61.

According to his older brother, Edwin Hawkins, Walter fought an arduous battle with pancreatic cancer. “Today, I lost my brother, my pastor, and my best friend… Bishop Hawkins suffered bravely but now he will suffer no more and will be greatly missed,” he said.

The gospel singer was born in Oakland, California and obtained his divinity degree from the University of California at Berkeley.

In 1972 he recorded his first album ‘Do Your Best.’

In 1973, he became a pastor and founded the Love Center Church in Oakland.

The Mercury News reports that Bill Carpenter, a friend and family representative said that Hawkins garnered nine Grammy nominations after recording a series of albums. Hawkins' ‘The Lord’s Prayer,’ won him a Grammy in 1980.

Hawkins was once married to gospel great Tramaine Hawkins, but the union ended in divorce.

Hawkins is survived by two children, Trystan Hawkins and Walter “Jamie” Hawkins Jr., an R&B singer; a daughter-in-law, gospel singer Myiia “Sunny” Hawkins; two grandchildren, Jamie-Daniel and Jahve; and his siblings, Carol, Feddie, Edwin, Daniel, and Lynette.

RIP Walter Hawkins. "Be Grateful" is a classic song regardless of its genre. Always loved the groove change towards the end!

Rest Peacefully Brother Hawkins

Listening to "The Potter's House" right now...

Here's a video tribute:

Walter's then-wife Tramaine Hawkins on lead vocals.

Peace to his soul.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNlZKT5ARN0&feature=related

"Love Alive 2" is my favorite gospel album of all time!

kitbradley said:

"Love Alive 2" is my favorite gospel album of all time!

That is such a great album. Very heartfelt.

For those who have ITunes, go to the store, type Walter Hawkins, scroll to the bottom and click on the free podcast of Walter Hawkins Memory Mix. It's a wonderful tribute to his legacy.

funkyslsistah said:

For those who have ITunes, go to the store, type Walter Hawkins, scroll to the bottom and click on the free podcast of Walter Hawkins Memory Mix. It's a wonderful tribute to his legacy.

http://itunes.apple.com/u...i=84777840

Wow this is news to me! RIP

He recorded great gospel music.