Edwin Hawkins Oakland Symphony Orchestra - Edwin Hawkins With The Oakland Symphony Orchestra

Review by Julien Marotte

Edwin Hawkins With The Oakland Symphony Orchestra: A Gospel Journey That Still Hits Home Let me tell you, this album ain’t just music—it’s a vibe. Released in 1981 by Edwin Hawkins and the Oakland Symphony Orchestra, it’s one of those records that grabs your soul and doesn’t let go. It’s got that funky groove mixed with gospel fire, making it feel like church but also kinda like a party. If you’re into raw emotion wrapped up in big orchestral swells, then yeah, this is for you. Now, I gotta talk about two tracks that really stuck with me—“Oh Happy Day” and “Come To Me.” First off, “Oh Happy Day.” Man, if this song doesn’t make you wanna throw your hands up and shout hallelujah, I don’t know what will. The way Edwin’s voice soars over the choir and orchestra? Pure goosebumps. It’s not just singing; it feels like he’s testifying, like every word comes straight from his heart. And when the brass kicks in? Forget it. You can’t sit still. This track reminds me why gospel music exists—to lift people up when they need it most. Then there’s “Come To Me.” Oh man, this one sneaks up on you. At first, it feels soft, almost like a lullaby, but then BAM—the strings hit, and suddenly you’re drowning in all these layers of sound. What gets me is how personal it feels, like Edwin’s whispering secrets only you can hear. By the time the chorus rolls around, you realize it’s less of a song and more of an invitation—a call to come closer to something bigger than yourself. It’s messy, beautiful, hopeful—all at once. The rest of the album keeps the energy alive too. Tracks like “Fanfare Overture” bring that symphonic drama, while “I Need To Pray” hits hard with its honesty. But honestly? Listening to this record feels like flipping through old family photos. Each track has its own memory, its own moment of connection. What surprises me most about Edwin Hawkins With The Oaklands Symphony Orchestra is how timeless it feels. Even though it dropped back in ‘81, it could’ve been made yesterday—or maybe even tomorrow. There’s something eternal about the way faith meets funk here. Like, who else would think to pair a full-blown orchestra with gospel choirs? Only someone as bold as Edwin Hawkins. So yeah, listening to this album isn’t just hearing music—it’s living it. And hey, here’s the kicker: after spinning this record, I started wondering…what happened to the Birthright label? Did they know they were dropping gold? Food for thought.

Download Edwin Hawkins Oakland Symphony Orchestra - Edwin Hawkins With The Oakland Symphony Orchestra

Artist: Edwin Hawkins Oakland Symphony Orchestra
Album: Edwin Hawkins With The Oakland Symphony Orchestra

Funk / Soul

Gospel

1981

Rating: 5.0

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Filename: edwin-hawkins-oakland-symphony-orchestra-edwin-hawkins-with.zip

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Tracks

Track	Duration	Preview
I Need To Pray	4:58
Come To Me	4:25
Worship The Lord	3:09
A Gift Of Song	6:10
Talk By Edwin Hawkins	1:03
Fanfare Overture	2:21
Call Him, He'll Be There	7:03
Oh Happy Day	5:46

Video

Oh Happy Day - Edwin Hawkins Live

I Need To Pray - Edwin Hawkins Live

Call Him, He'll Be There - Edwin Hawkins Live

Edwin Hawkins - Worship the Lord / Come to Me (1981)

Fanfare - Overture - Edwin Hawkins Live

Images

baixar álbum Edwin Hawkins Oakland Symphony Orchestra - Edwin Hawkins With The Oakland Symphony Orchestra

Catalog Numbers

BRS-4025

Labels

Birthright

Listen online

ascolta in linea
ouvir online
lytte på nettet
online anhören
escuchar en línea
kuunnella verkossa
online luisteren
lyssna på nätet
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Formats

Vinyl
LP
Album

About Edwin Hawkins Oakland Symphony Orchestra

Singer, pianist, songwriter, arranger and choir master, born 18 August 1943 in Oakland, California. Died January 15, 2018 in Pleasanton, California. He was best known for his 1969 hit song "Oh Happy Day" (with the ), one of the first gospel songs that achieved mainstream success. Edwin Hawkins was a brother of .

Real Name

Edwin Reuben Hawkins

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Edward Hawkins
Edward R. Hawkins
Edwin
Edwin Hawkins Music And Arts Seminar
Edwin Hawkins Publishing
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Edwin R. Hawkind
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Edwin R.K. Howkins
Eeddie Hawkins
Hawkin
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Hawkins-R. Edwin
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Reverend Edwin Hawkins
The Edwin Hawkins Singers
The Edwind Hawkins Singer

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? In 1981, Edwin Hawkins teamed up with the Oakland Symphony Orchestra to create a unique blend of gospel and symphonic sounds. The album, released under the label Birthright, features tracks like "Oh Happy Day" and "Worship The Lord." It’s a soulful mix of funk, soul, and gospel that brings a powerful orchestral twist to timeless spiritual themes. Definitely a hidden gem for music lovers!

Comments

thaimanunited

2025-03-12

I remembered this on introduction on KDIA 1310AM ? with the late Ms. Marshalean Martin.

kristya11

2025-03-11

Nice! I grew up listening to the Hawkins?

foodiesgoal

2025-03-11

Pray for this country right now!. God has shown man of God that Russia and China are cooking up something to attack this nation and other nations.

bebeto7

2025-03-10

2021! Start now! We All need to Pray!

rumahotspot

2025-03-09

Edwin could make a song

miramadz

2025-03-08

The HAWKINS FAMILY! REAL GOSPEL.MUSIC! NOT SNOOP DOGGY DOG!

jasonhyde

2025-03-07

omg baby sis, know she could tear up a song especially that one!

menongumu

2025-03-06

And he is COMING BACK soon✝️?‼️

kkringou18

2025-03-06

absolutely.

adkfashion

2025-03-05

I was high school when this TV production came out.

seovamp

2025-03-05

This song speaks volumes to me. I lost my dad the year before last due to an unexpected cardiac arrest. It’s awesome to know that Jesus is there when we need Him the most.