Walter Hawkins

Walter Hawkins is an American gospel music singer born May 18, 1949 in Oakland, California. Hawkins is best known for his hit "Oh Happy Day" with The Edwin Hawkins Singers which became one of the first gospel songs to crossover onto mainstream charts. Walter left the group in the early 70's to pursue a solo career. He had considerable success with his Love Alive series which collectively sold over a million copies from the 70's through the 80's. Hawkins and his groups have recorded with Van Morrison, Diahann Carroll, Sylvester, Jeffrey Osborne, and many others. Walter is the brother of gospel singer Edwin Hawkins, former husband of gospel singer Tramaine Hawkins, and father of gospel/R&B singer and producer Jamie Hawkins.