SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - "He Got Up" by Edwin Hawkins Music & Arts Seminar Mass Choir

Edwin Hawkins will forever be remembered for the most famous gospel song of all time, “O Happy Day.” But there was much more to Hawkins. He was also the founder of the successful Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts Seminar. Like similar conventions by Thomas Dorsey and James Cleveland, the weeklong seminars are still one of the highlights for gospel singers everywhere. Hawkins’ 1983 convention included sessions led by gospel royalty: Danniebelle Hall, Patrick Henderson, Richard Smallwood and – of course – Edwin, Walter, Tramaine and the other members of the Hawkins’ family.

The conventions end with the recording of a live album by the combined mass choir, led by an array of talented musicians. The 1983 album is particularly strong – as you’ll be able to tell from the opening track, “He Got Up.”

I’m Robert Darden … “Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments” is produced by KWBU and the Black Gospel Music Preservation Program at Baylor University Libraries.

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