(ThyBlackMan.com) When I first discovered Edwin Hawkins, I didn’t just hear gospel music — I felt it. His songs didn’t just stay in the church pews; they followed you home, filled your living room, and somehow made everything feel a little more hopeful. Hawkins was more than just a gospel artist — he was a bridge between the sacred and the everyday, someone who could make a hymn feel like a soul ballad and a worship anthem sound like something you’d dance to at a family reunion.
As one of the originators of the urban contemporary gospel sound, Edwin Hawkins helped redefine what gospel music could be. He gave it groove, gave it emotion, gave it space to evolve. His songs were bold but never forced, spiritual without being preachy, and always filled with heart. In a time when we’re all searching for something steady to hold onto — his music remains as needed and nourishing as ever.
So here are ten Edwin Hawkins songs that I believe everyone should experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting acquainted with his brilliance, these tracks offer encouragement, joy, reflection, and a whole lot of soul. Sit back, press play, and let the music do what it does best — lift you up.
1. Oh Happy Day
There’s no way to begin this list without the song that transformed gospel music forever — “Oh Happy Day.” Released in 1968 with the Edwin Hawkins Singers, this reimagining of an 18th-century hymn broke barriers by crossing over into the pop charts. The combination of spirited choir vocals, a soul-driven piano line, and Dorothy Morrison’s electrifying lead made it a global sensation.
“Oh Happy Day” wasn’t just a song — it was a statement. It invited gospel music into the secular mainstream without compromising its spiritual roots. The production was clean yet vibrant, a hallmark of Hawkins’ touch. Even today, the track is used in films, commercials, and wedding celebrations around the world. Its joyful, universal message of redemption and grace can still uplift weary hearts. The track reached No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts internationally — a rare feat for any gospel song, especially during a time when gospel was still confined largely to the church setting.
The infectious refrain “Oh happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away” transcends denomination, race, and even religious affiliation. It’s become a cultural marker — not only played in places of worship but also performed at music festivals and graduation ceremonies. That enduring quality comes from the way Hawkins blurred the lines between sacred and secular, offering a melody so spiritually rich and rhythmically captivating that it became a universal anthem. Listening to it today, the energy remains palpable, the joy still contagious. Whether you hear it as a spiritual revival or a feel-good jam, “Oh Happy Day” endures as one of the most important musical recordings of the 20th century.
2. To My Father’s House
“To My Father’s House” is another example of Hawkins’ genius in creating gospel that grooves. With an almost Motown-like rhythm, this song brings a driving beat that contrasts beautifully with its devotional lyrics. The harmonies are lush, the tempo fast, and the message crystal clear: we’re on our way to glory. The chorus — “I’m going up yonder, to my Father’s house” — is delivered with such enthusiastic repetition and musical propulsion that it becomes impossible not to sing along.
What sets this track apart is its accessibility. Even those unfamiliar with gospel can appreciate its structure and musicality. Hawkins makes no apologies for blending urban soul with traditional church vocals. The result is a track that feels fresh, even decades later. In the context of today’s genre-fusing musical landscape, “To My Father’s House” feels like a blueprint. Its influence can be heard in the works of later artists like Kirk Franklin and Tye Tribbett, who continued building on the foundation Hawkins laid by mixing sacred lyrics with funk, soul, and pop energy.
The song is also a reminder of Hawkins’ commitment to community. The choir doesn’t just support — it celebrates. There’s a sense of togetherness in every clap and harmony. In modern worship services, songs like this help bring congregants to their feet, unifying worshippers in joy and movement. Listening to it in 2025 still feels like a spiritual journey, with every vocal swell and bassline pushing you a little closer to that divine destination. It’s gospel that makes you want to dance your way to heaven, shoes and all.
3. Worship the Lord
This is Hawkins in full worship leader mode. “Worship the Lord” is slower than some of his hits, but that’s precisely what makes it so powerful. The song invites listeners to pause, reflect, and enter into a sacred space. With smooth instrumentation and warm vocal arrangements, it serves as a meditative anthem. The phrase “worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” becomes a spiritual mantra, delivered with such grace and reverence that it transcends performance — it becomes prayer.
The brilliance of this song lies in its simplicity. There’s no overproduction, no flashy transitions — just pure, heartfelt worship. Hawkins uses restraint effectively here, letting the quiet intensity of the message speak louder than any musical flourish. The blend of piano, organ, and soft vocal layering helps create a sanctuary-like feel, turning any space into holy ground. The backing vocals don’t overwhelm; they support, echoing like a gentle wind behind the lead’s heartfelt call to devotion.
This song is especially relevant for contemporary audiences seeking solace or spiritual grounding. It translates beautifully to intimate worship sessions, devotional playlists, or even yoga meditations focused on faith. Its timeless call to humility and reverence still rings true. In a world where gospel music often leans heavily into theatrics or modern production tricks, “Worship the Lord” reminds us of the power of sincerity. It’s a moment of peace — the kind that’s rare in both music and life — and that’s why it still moves listeners today.
4. Give Us Peace
“Give Us Peace” is one of Edwin Hawkins’ most stirring and heartfelt compositions — a song that feels like both a prayer and a protest wrapped into one. From the very first note, there’s a solemn urgency in the music, a sense that this is more than just a performance — it’s a plea from a weary soul, echoed by a community longing for rest. As the title suggests, the track centers around a universal desire: peace — not just the absence of war or conflict, but a deeper, internal kind of peace that can only be granted through divine grace.
Hawkins’ arrangement here is understated yet powerful. The instrumentation is sparse in the beginning, relying on haunting piano chords and a gentle swell of strings to set a reflective mood. Then the choir joins in, their voices rising together in unison as if representing a global cry for healing. The harmonies are layered and moving, building steadily without ever becoming overwhelming. This controlled intensity mirrors the tension so many people feel when caught between faith and fear — a musical embodiment of turning to God in moments of global or personal crisis.
Even now, “Give Us Peace” speaks volumes in our turbulent times. In a world where division, violence, and unrest seem to dominate headlines, this song feels like a timely reminder of what we all desperately need. Whether listened to in moments of prayer or during quiet contemplation, the song resonates with those who long for a break from chaos — a spiritual balm that assures us peace is possible, if we dare to seek it with open hearts and unified voices.
5. Imagine Heaven
With “Imagine Heaven,” Edwin Hawkins gives us one of his most vivid and visionary pieces — a gospel ballad that lifts the listener’s imagination to divine heights. It’s a song that asks us to pause for a moment and picture what eternity with God might truly feel like. But it’s not delivered with bombast or grandeur. Instead, Hawkins uses a gentle, almost cinematic approach, layering soft keys, sweeping vocals, and poetic lyricism to draw us into his holy dreamscape.
There’s a warmth in this song that’s hard to put into words — like flipping through an old photo album of memories you haven’t lived yet, but somehow feel familiar. Hawkins doesn’t paint heaven with gold streets and pearly gates alone; instead, he focuses on the emotional and spiritual essence of paradise. The lyrics evoke peace, unity, rest, and joy — themes that feel tangible through the choir’s angelic harmonies. The lead vocal, humble and reverent, guides us like a storyteller through this sacred landscape.
For modern listeners, “Imagine Heaven” is more than a song — it’s a moment of escape, of soul-centered reflection. In an age where so many wrestle with questions about life after death or the meaning of spiritual fulfillment, this track provides comfort without preaching. It simply invites us to dream of something better, something beautiful. And in doing so, it reminds us that heaven isn’t just a destination — it’s a hope that gives shape to how we live and love right here on Earth.
6. Jesus, Lover of My Soul
“Jesus, Lover of My Soul” is one of the most tender performances in Hawkins’ catalog. With a soft, soulful tempo, this track leans fully into intimacy and emotional vulnerability. The gentle vocals and flowing instrumentation create a sacred atmosphere that feels both modern and eternal. The title alone signals something deeply personal — a private conversation between the singer and the Savior, uninterrupted by spectacle.
Where other songs might roar with choir crescendos, this one whispers truth to the listener. It’s a love song, not in the romantic sense, but in the divine longing for spiritual closeness. The lyrics are poetic, and the melody floats gracefully — a perfect union of word and sound. Hawkins’ arrangement doesn’t aim to overwhelm; instead, it softly cradles the listener, offering a safe place for the soul to rest. The song captures a longing for protection, peace, and divine intimacy that is universally understood.
This song still holds weight today, especially for those navigating life transitions, loss, or spiritual renewal. It invites repeated listens, encouraging a deeper connection with the divine and a soothing balm for emotional wounds. In a culture that often rushes through everything — including spirituality — “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” invites us to linger. It’s ideal for moments of personal prayer, times of grief, or simply a quiet evening when one needs to be reminded that they are seen and deeply loved. The tenderness with which Hawkins approaches the song allows it to remain one of his most moving and enduring offerings.
7. I’ve Got a Feeling (Everything’s Gonna Be Alright)
Few songs in the gospel canon spark hope like “I’ve Got a Feeling.” Hawkins injects a dose of optimism into every lyric, and the musical arrangement helps drive that message home. From the upbeat tempo to the energetic claps and piano riffs, this track is pure upliftment. The chorus becomes a spiritual chant — repeated often enough to move from head to heart, settling in as a truth one can hold onto.
What makes this song unforgettable is its emotional immediacy. From the moment it begins, you’re pulled into an atmosphere of joy and confident faith. Hawkins doesn’t try to be mysterious or abstract — the message is simple and bold: everything’s going to be alright. In that declaration lies power, especially for listeners who are facing storms. Whether you’re enduring grief, job loss, or spiritual drought, this track is like a warm hand on the shoulder saying, “Hold on.”
The song strikes a balance between faith declaration and soulful celebration. You can’t help but move to it — and that’s the point. Gospel music, in Hawkins’ hands, isn’t just for Sunday service. It’s for the streets, for cookouts, for family reunions. This track embodies that joyous accessibility. And in today’s culture, where mental health and emotional wellness are prioritized, “I’ve Got a Feeling” serves as a musical affirmation. It’s a gospel pep talk for the soul, and just as needed now as it was then. Play it loud, play it often, and let it remind you that belief — especially in something better — can carry you through the darkest nights.
8. God Will Take Care of You
This hymn is a cornerstone in gospel music, but Hawkins’ version elevates it with soulful sensitivity. His interpretation isn’t bombastic; instead, it’s deeply comforting, with understated vocals that emphasize the message rather than overshadow it. Hawkins allows the lyrics — full of assurance and tenderness — to breathe, giving listeners space to absorb the promise of divine care.
The use of piano, soft percussion, and warm choir harmonies gives it a lullaby quality. It’s the kind of song that can calm racing thoughts and ease anxiety. The choir doesn’t overpower; it gently cradles the melody, delivering it with the same care the lyrics speak of. Hawkins had a gift for slowing things down just enough for the message to seep into your bones. It’s not just a performance — it’s a ministry moment, one that offers a sense of peace in the midst of chaos.
Even now, the track stands tall as a source of spiritual reassurance. In uncertain times — be it personal trials or global unrest — “God Will Take Care of You” is a timely reminder of divine faithfulness. It’s both a song and a shelter. It plays like a spiritual hug, wrapping the listener in calm. Whether you’re listening at home in solitude or in a sanctuary filled with believers, Hawkins’ rendition whispers the same truth: you are not forgotten, and you are never alone.
9. Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)
This track represents one of Hawkins’ boldest steps toward genre fusion. Originally recorded with pop-rock singer Melanie, “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)” merged gospel with rock and folk sensibilities. It was experimental, expansive, and fearless. Few gospel artists of his time would’ve taken such a risk, but Hawkins wasn’t interested in limits — he was interested in impact.
The vocals are raw and emotive, layered with urgent cries for peace and unity. The combination of Melanie’s passionate delivery and the Edwin Hawkins Singers’ thunderous background creates an emotional surge. It’s not traditional gospel, but it carries gospel’s core essence: hope in the face of chaos. Hawkins’ choir delivers an unforgettable performance, elevating the track into a spiritual protest anthem. You can hear the call for a better world between every line, between every harmony.
“Lay Down” is especially relevant for today’s listeners in light of ongoing global conflicts and social justice struggles. It’s a song that reminds us of gospel’s power to speak to not just the soul, but also the conscience. The track stands as proof that gospel can live beyond the four walls of the church. It can meet us in the middle of the world’s noise and offer clarity, calling us not only to pray — but to act. Listening to “Lay Down” today feels like an anthem for peacekeepers, dreamers, and justice seekers.
10. Give Me a Star
Closing the list is a lesser-known gem, “Give Me a Star.” This reflective ballad leans into cosmic imagery to express divine longing and direction. Hawkins wraps profound spiritual yearning into a celestial metaphor, proving once again his lyrical and thematic creativity. The plea for a guiding star is symbolic — a cry for purpose, light, and direction when the path ahead seems unclear.
Musically, the song has a cinematic quality. Gentle strings accompany a delicate piano, while the vocals soar with a soft but commanding energy. The structure allows the song to unfold slowly, like a journey through the night sky. Hawkins’ delivery is careful, intimate — almost as if he’s whispering directly to the heavens. The arrangement feels weightless, allowing the listener to drift into a place of contemplation.
Today, “Give Me a Star” can be heard as a prayer for guidance in a noisy world. Its tender sincerity and haunting arrangement provide a quiet strength — perfect for late-night meditations or journaling sessions steeped in faith. For those navigating seasons of transition, heartbreak, or uncertainty, this song can become a soundtrack for the soul. It reminds us that asking for divine help isn’t a weakness — it’s an act of hope. And in that vulnerable request, Hawkins gives us a moment of peace and poetry that stays with us long after the final note fades.
Listening to Edwin Hawkins today feels like a conversation with an old friend — one who reminds you of what really matters. His music has this gentle way of reaching into your spirit, whether you’re on top of the world or struggling to stay afloat. These ten songs are just a glimpse into his genius, but each one carries something timeless: love, faith, honesty, and the kind of soul that stays with you long after the last note.
For me, Hawkins will always be one of those voices that you don’t just listen to — you lean on. In a world that often feels too loud and too fast, his songs offer something rare: peace that sings. So whether you’re worshiping, reflecting, or just in need of a reminder that everything really is gonna be alright — Edwin’s music is here for you.
Because that’s what great gospel does. And Edwin Hawkins? He made it unforgettable.
Staff Writer; Jamar Jackson
