Gospel Singer Edwin Reuben Hawkins Dies At 74 In Pleasanton

PLEASANTON, CA — Gospel singer, Grammy award winner Edwin Reuben Hawkins died Monday in Pleasanton after a battle with pancreatic cancer, according to his family. He was 74.

On January 11, family members requested prayers for Hawkins via social media as his health began to fail.

A self-taught piano player, Hawkins was best known for "Oh Happy Day," which he wrote and recorded in 1969. It sold more than seven million copies, Hawkins's publicist told the New York Times, and earned Hawkins a Grammy for best soul gospel performance in 1970. He was nominated for 10 Grammy awards during his career and inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame in 2007.

The gospel legend and Oakland native co-founded the Northern California State Youth Choir in the 1960s. One of eight children, he started singing in youth choirs when he was just 5-years-old and often performed with his family.

Saddened by the news of #EdwinHawkins' passing. He was a gospel music legend, an #EastBay hero, and a dear friend. My deepest condolences are with his family during this difficult time.

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