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Edwin Hawkins Sheet Music

About Edwin Hawkins

Edwin Hawkins was a foundational American gospel musician, pianist, choir master, composer, and arranger, widely recognized for his innovative contributions to the urban contemporary gospel sound. His most significant impact came with his groundbreaking arrangement of the 18th-century hymn "Oh Happy Day," which became an international crossover hit, profoundly influencing both gospel and popular music genres.

  • Hawkins began his musical journey at an exceptionally young age, playing piano for his family's gospel band by age seven and having started piano lessons at five.
  • The global success of "Oh Happy Day" in 1969 was initially unintended; it was one of eight songs on an album recorded by the Northern California State Youth Choir (later the Edwin Hawkins Singers) as a local fundraiser, eventually selling over 7 million copies worldwide.
  • Throughout his illustrious career, Edwin Hawkins received four Grammy Awards, recognizing his excellence in gospel music for works such as "Oh Happy Day," "Every Man Wants to Be Free," and "Wonderful!".
  • Beyond performing and composing, Hawkins was dedicated to nurturing new talent, co-founding the Edwin Hawkins Music & Arts Seminar (also known as the Edwin Hawkins & Walter Hawkins Music and Arts Love Fellowship Conference) in 1982, which provides workshops for aspiring musicians and artists.

Performing Edwin Hawkins' music offers a deeply rewarding experience for musicians of various skill levels, particularly vocal ensembles, choirs, and pianists. His arrangements are celebrated for their rich harmonies, infectious rhythms, and soulful melodies, making them ideal for church services, gospel concerts, and community performances. Sheet music for his compositions, especially "Oh Happy Day," allows performers to engage with the vibrant energy and uplifting spirit that defined contemporary gospel, providing both technical challenge and immense spiritual satisfaction through its powerful message and innovative sound.

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