Edwin Hawkins featuring
The New Edwin Hawkins Singers
San Francisco’s popular Rrazz Room
Limited engagement, October 13 - 16
Described as the trailblazing force behind the evolution of the contemporary gospel sound, Edwin Hawkins remains best known for his 1969 classic "Oh Happy Day," one of the biggest gospel hits of all time and a major pop radio smash as well. An Oakland, CA native, Hawkins began singing in his church youth choir while still a toddler, and by age five was playing piano; just two years later, he assumed full-time piano accompaniment duties for the family gospel group, making their recorded debut in 1957. Since then, he has traveled the world performing to adoring audiences yet he remains a humble giant within the industry that made him famous. We spoke recently about his upcoming performance in San Francisco www.TheRrazzRoom.com.
Talk2SV: The Rrazz Room (located in Hotel Nikko) has become one of the most talked about venues presenting an array of talented artists from every music genre.
Hawkins: I’m excited about being at The Rrazz. I’ve been there only once before…it’s a cozy room that’s very nice with great sound and good food. This performance will feature the new Edwin Hawkins Singers; we’ve added two young ladies to the group, both from Memphis. They’ve sung with us before when my brother was still with us (the late Bishop Walter Hawkins). We’ve been working on getting a single out, actually working on a full project but the single will be out first.
Talk2SV: How many singers?
Hawkins: There are seven to eight voices, including myself and four musicians.
Talk2SV: As you’ve stated, Bishop Hawkins’ passing is a deep loss. What do you see your role being, moving forward?
Hawkins: I know my mission is gospel music, more specifically as a minister of gospel music. That role might expand --I can’t really speak to that at this point because many things are still fresh in my mind. Things might expand in terms of my ministry however it is open to whatever God has to say to me; I just want to be obedient to what He says.
Talk2SV: You are Bishop Hawkins were very close.
Hawkins: Yea, we were quite close.
Talk2SV: What are some of the memories and traditions you’d like to carry forward into your expanded ministry role?
Hawkins: Well, nothing has changed. We were such a part of each other that everything I do still includes music that he’s done and music that he started writing and didn’t quite finish or didn’t get a chance to record. We are looking forward to doing a tribute in memory of him. I guess we included each other so much in our writing, that won’t change.
Talk2SV: You have also constructed a unique music history with a number of songs as well. How does Edwin Hawkins describe Edwin Hawkins and what words do you use when you talk about your ministry?
Hawkins: Well, it’s not easy to describe. I think that when you are born and gifted, it’s something that’s just there. If you’re not careful you’ll take it for granted. I don’t take it for granted. I think it’s a very blessed situation to find yourself in the midst of music because I endeavored to go into some other things. But, as God would have it, music was the area that I should be in so it’s not easy to describe. I’m humbled when I think about what God did through that one little song (Oh Happy Day), it’s still blessing my life today. I’m a blessed man, what can I say.
Talk2SV: What were those other things you thought you would have been doing?
Hawkins: Well, when I was in junior college, I studied interior design. It was at the end of that two-year period when the music happened. So, God orchestrated all of that; I thought I was going somewhere else but He took me to a different place.
Talk2SV: Actually, you’ve set up my next question; I see you as the quintessential Renaissance man and to hear you say you had interests in interior design just underscores my interpretation of you.
Hawkins: And, what is your interpretation?
Talk2SV: Well, for one you’re one of the most cultured men that I’ve met: the way you eat, the way you dress, the way you carry yourself, your disposition. You are a man who has traveled the world yet you remain accessible; I think that is a great virtue. People around the world know who you are. Yet, I have always observed an obvious chord of humility that is constant within you.
Hawkins: Well, I think all of it has allowed me to and caused me to practice humility. I’m not there yet, but I try to be humble.
Talk2SV: Of your many international travels, are there any places you’d like to visit again?
Hawkins: I’ve traveled to more than 12 difference countries, most of them I enjoyed and would love to go back; many of them I have returned to. I’d like to visit places I’ve never been including China, Russia, Australia…I’d love to go to those areas.
Talk2SV: I understand the Hawkins family has a new restaurant as well…
Hawkins: Yes, we have a family café, a small country café in Manteca (CA). The name is Hawkins’ Family DeLite Café at 1800 Yosemite Avenue, open Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Talk2SV: As we conclude this conversation, what can audiences look forward to from The New Edwin Hawkins Singers at The Rrazz Room?
Hawkins: Well, of course, most people know us for “Oh Happy Day.” We have a slightly new version of that; we’ll maybe do the old version then move into the new one. Over the years, we’ve done songs that people really love so we have to do some of what people are expecting. Typically, with brand new material, often people do not respond to it but most of the songs we’re doing will have a new, fresh twist to them.
The Rrazz Room schedule:
EDWIN HAWKINS and THE NEW EDWIN HAWKINS SINGERS
Thu-Sat, 10/13-15, 8pm
Sun, 10/16, 7pm
Tickets are $40-45
