Gospel Artists: Edwin Hawkins and Donald Lawrence

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Gospel Artist
           Gospel music holds an exceptional place in American music history. Its development has contributed remarkably to the advancement of modern music. Gospel artists have dedicated their lives to using music and communicating messages of love, faith, and hope. Two such artists are Edwin Hawkins and Donald Lawrence. They are among the most prominent figures in the gospel music industry, with careers spanning several decades and a body of work that has influenced countless artists. Their contributions to the genre solidified their place in gospel music history and influenced the style's direction and sound. In this narrative essay, we will look at the private lives and careers of the two outstanding painters. We will examine how their unique musical styles and methods have impacted the genre and its devotees. Because of its stories, we will learn so much about gospel music's significance, influence, and location in our culture.
 
Edwin Hawkins 
            Edwin Hawkins was born in Oakland, California, in 1943. His singing talent is traced
to his father, Daniel Hawkins, a steel guitar player. At a young age, he started singing in the church choir and with his sibling as a family group. In the late 1960s, he established the Edwin Hawkins Singers, whose breakout hit song, "Oh Happy Day," became a crossover hit that was played in both religious and secular radio stations and henceforth earned them a Grammy Award (Alexander, para. 03). The song was innovative for its time, incorporating elements of rock and soul into traditional gospel music. Edwin Hawkins' groundbreaking approach to music, incorporating rock and soul elements into traditional gospel music, helped create a new sound that has inspired countless gospel artists. He garnered various honors throughout his career, including four Grammy Awards, and many people appreciated his
brilliance.
            Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Hawkins continued to put out popular albums experimenting with various musical genres while holding on to his gospel origins. Ankeny
(para. 03) states that "Hawkins remained a critical favorite" in the 1770s when he won his second Grammy Award. He worked with musicians like Tramaine Hawkins and Walter Hawkins, and one can hear his influence in the music of modern gospel musicians like Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams. Other than his music, Hawkins was also a pastor, author, and
activist. He advocated for justice and disseminated messages of peace and love using his platform. Hawkins' influence has well outgrown the gospel music sector, an...