Most people only know Edwin Hawkins’ for “O Happy Day” -- one of the great gospel songs of all time. But Hawkins released nearly 30 years of great gospel music. Along the way, he gathered his family, Richard Smallwood, Tramaine Hawkins and others to record a single Christmas album. All but one of the tracks are reverent covers of beloved Christmas hymns and carols.
That lone original track, however, “Follow the Star,” seems like a good place to end this tumultuous year.
2025 has been full of unprecedented challenges, but a gentle song like “Follow the Star” can make things seem OK ... even if just for a few minutes.
I’m Robert Darden … “Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments” is produced by KWBU and the Black Gospel Music Preservation Program at Baylor University Libraries.
