Thaindian News

By Madhuri Dey
Ripon, July 13, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, composer and Pastor Walter Hawkins died on Sunday. The 61-year-old pastor who had revolutionized the way of gospel singing, died at his home in Ripon, California. He was suffering from pancreatic cancer for a long time. The news of the death of the singer-pastor was confirmed by his older brother Edwin Hawkins who said in front of media sources that Walter Hawkins was not only his younger brother but also his “best friend”. Edwin Hawkins added in his statement, “Bishop Hawkins suffered bravely but now he will suffer no more and he will be greatly missed”.

Walter Hawkins is best known for his “The Lord’s Prayer”, “Love Alive III” and “Love Alive IV”. While the first album brought him the Grammy Award back in 1980, “Love Alive III” remained 34 weeks at the top of the Billboard gospel album sales chart. Bill Carpenter who was a friend of Walter Hawkins and also a family representative, the album had gone on to sell millions of copies all over America. As per the representative, Walter Hawkins recorded a number of albums during 1980s that brought him nine Grammy Award nominations.

Even though he was made the bishop back in October 1992, he continued to produce albums regularly and also did many shows. As per reports, Walter Hawkins at the time of his death was planning a new “Love Alive” CD concert recording. However, the wonderful gospel singer’s life came to an end before the execution of the plan. Walter Hawkins is survived by his brother, two children two grandchildren along with a number of nephews and nieces.