“Goodbye Oakland, Good Morning Glory” Rev. Jesse Jackson

Photograph: Courtesy of the Walter Hawkin's Family

Article Submitted by Gospel Reporter Naomi Richard

Bishop Walter Lee Hawkins, Presiding Prelate of Love Fellowship Pastors, left this earth in grand style on July 23, 2010.  The family chose Oakland’s historic 3,000 seat Paramount Theatre to host the moving celebration of a life well lived.  The lines wrapped around blocks with fans and friends waiting to enter for a final glimpse of Bishop Hawkins and to pay their final tribute.  Guests travelled from all over the world to support the family and to participate in the service.   As the crowd entered the auditorium, the sense of a great loss was felt as well as a spirit of thanksgiving for the life of Walter Hawkins.  The auditorium’s main floor was filled by the Clergy, the Love Center Family, VIP Guests and the Hawkins’ Family.

Photograph: Naomi Richard

Bishop Kenneth H. Moales, Sr., Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bridgeport, Connecticut, officiated the celebration.  Special performances included Bryon Cage, Kurt Carr, The Love Center Choir, Jonathan DeBose, Edwin Hawkins, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, Lady Tramaine Hawkins-Richardson, Karen Clark-Sheard, Melvin Williams, BeBe Winans, Marvin Winans, Ted Winn and Kathy Taylor.  In attendance were Yolanda Adams, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Donald Lawrence, Bobby Jones, Bishop Paul Morton, Tye Tribbett, Judith McAllister, Teresa Hairston, Don Jackson, Bishop Carlton Pearson, Bishop George Dallas McKinney, Bishop David Copeland and Pastor Claudette Copeland to name a few.

Photograph: Naomi Richard

Each artist that performed sang one of Hawkins songs during the pre-musical evening.  Hits like, He’s That Kind of Friend, Oh Happy Day, Going Up Yonder, Never Alone, Changed, When the Battle is Over, I’m Going Away, and many more.  According to performer Donnie McClurkin, “Bishop Hawkins meant everything to me.  He was the foundation in gospel music 35 years.  He set the standard in gospel music.  We all need to pray for the Love Center church family, they’ve suffered a tremendous loss.”

Photograph: Naomi Richard

Marvin Winans spoke with Ujima Magazine, “Bishop Hawkins taught us that we can achieve anything.  Their music went past gospel and crossed over to other charts, yet he stayed true to his roots.  I had to be here to celebrate his life.”

Photograph: Naomi Richard

Reverend Jesse Jackson told Ujima, “The Jackson family defined R&B music, the Hawkins’ defined Gospel for our generation.   Walter transformed the previous sounds of gospel into a new expression.  His songs lifted people up.”  In his remarks during the funeral, Rev. Jackson described Hawkins’ love for the City of Oakland, and how he encouraged all religious leaders to come together in a spirit of unity to restore their city.

Hawkins was born May 18, 1949 in Oakland, CA. Reared in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) denomination, While studying for his master’s of divinity degree from the University of California at Berkeley, Hawkins recorded his first LP “Do Your Best” in 1972. An October 1972 Billboard magazine reviewer wrote, “Walter Hawkins is a pianist of enviable accomplishments while his vocal prowess is in no way disputable. He’s gathered around him an exceptional crew of sidemen and vocalists and the total effect is completely invigorating.”

Photograph: Naomi Richard

Photograph: Naomi Richard