“Joyful Sounds: Gospel Across America” permeated the Kennedy Center throughout the week as choirs, Grammy Award-winning soloists, soul singers, brass bands and gospel step teams displayed their artistry daily on the Millennium Stage and in the Family Theater.
If you go
“Joyful Sounds: Gospel Across America”
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $20 to $65; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
The culminating event illuminates the Concert Hall stage Saturday evening when the National Symphony Orchestra, gospel legend Walter Hawkins and the Washington Performing Arts Society Men and Women of the Gospel Choir participate in a musical extravaganza celebrating the African-American sacred music tradition. The history of gospel music has roots in both Europe and Africa, coming to fruition in rural folk music traditions of the late 1800s when the Christian religion was celebrated by church choirs and congregations singing hymns and Negro spirituals. Today there are many types of gospel music, from four-part harmonies to Christian rock and urban contemporary gospel.
Hawkins utilizes all of them. He grew up in California’s Bay Area where the entire family was grounded in gospel music and his older brother Edwin was director of a church youth choir in Berkeley. Walter’s own career as a singer began by accident when Edwin recorded an album to raise money locally. The album, “Oh Happy Day,” sold more than 1 million copies, and the Edwin Hawkins Singers became known the country over.
By 1973, Walter Hawkins had become a pastor and started his own church, Love Center Ministries. His goal, “to catch anyone and everyone in God’s Safety Net,” is realized through his ministry and his five award-winning “Love Alive” albums. Throughout the last 30 years, he has recorded and published hundreds of songs designed to reach out and touch the listener.
Walter and his brother both write the songs their followers love. Edwin frequently adds pop, R&B and even Brazilian touches to his songs, while Walter’s inspirations for lyrics come from his own observations and experiences. For the past few years, he has undergone treatment for pancreatic cancer and has relied on his music, faith and outstanding medical expertise to conquer the disease.
“I keep applying myself and have no doubts that I will succeed,” he said. “I’m filled with energy and look forward to sharing my music with the Kennedy Center audience.”
The singer, songwriter, producer and pastor cherishes his many honors. They include one Grammy Award and eight nominations, three Dove Awards, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame Museum Award, and Billboard No. 1 Awards for every album reaching the top spot. He uses jazz and hip-hop components for crossover appeal.
“They play such a strong role in black culture that they may draw new members to the church,” he said. “If the church has other content that appeals to them, they absolutely will stay.
“There are certain songs of mine that I love and that have a special place in the hearts of others. Among these are ‘Marvelous’ and ‘Thank You,’ songs that inspire me as I go through treatment. They are sure to be part of the concert.”
