The Edwin Hawkins Singers with The Surprise Hit “Oh Happy Day”

In the late 1960s, a gospel choir from Oakland, California took the music world by storm with a joyful, faith-filled anthem. “Oh Happy Day” wasn’t supposed to be a commercial hit. Yet, its uplifting message and fresh arrangement turned it into one of the most surprising crossover successes in American music history. The song reached global charts, earned a Grammy Award, and helped redefine gospel music’s place in pop culture.

This is the story of The Edwin Hawkins Singers, the ensemble behind the timeless hit.

Artist Profile: The Edwin Hawkins Singers
Genre	Gospel, Urban Contemporary Gospel, Soul
Origin	Oakland, California, USA
Founded	1967
Founders	Edwin Hawkins, Betty Watson
Breakthrough Hit	“Oh Happy Day” (1969)
Key Vocalist	Dorothy Combs Morrison
Major Labels	Century 70, Pavilion (Buddah)
Grammy Awards	Best Soul Gospel Performance (1970)
Legacy	Pioneers of urban gospel; expanded gospel into mainstream radio
Notable Collaborations	Melanie (“Lay Down”), various gospel artists

The Man Behind the Music: Edwin Hawkins

Edwin Reuben Hawkins was born on August 18, 1943, in Oakland, California. A musical prodigy, he began playing keyboards for his family’s gospel choir at just seven years old. By the time he reached adulthood, Hawkins was well-versed in music arrangement and performance.

In 1967, he co-founded a youth choir with gospel musician Betty Watson. Originally named the Northern California State Youth Choir, the group brought together over 50 talented singers, mostly from the Ephesian Church of God in Christ in Berkeley.

Their initial goal wasn’t fame. Instead, they hoped to raise funds for their local church by recording a simple gospel album.

Recording “Let Us Go Into the House of the Lord”

The choir recorded its first album, Let Us Go Into the House of the Lord, in 1968. It was released privately on a small label, Century 70, with modest expectations. One of the tracks on the record was an old hymn with a new arrangement by Hawkins. That song was “Oh Happy Day”.

The lead vocals were performed by Dorothy Combs Morrison, whose spirited and soulful voice gave the track its unforgettable character.

At the time, the choir wasn’t even called The Edwin Hawkins Singers. But soon, their name and their sound would be known around the world.

The Rise of “Oh Happy Day”

In early 1969, “Oh Happy Day” caught the attention of San Francisco radio DJs. Listeners responded immediately. The song’s message of salvation, its modern gospel style, and its energy made it irresistible—not only to gospel fans but to secular listeners as well.

As demand grew, the song was reissued by Pavilion Records, a Buddah Records subsidiary. In a matter of weeks, “Oh Happy Day” became a national and international phenomenon.

Chart Performance:

• #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 (U.S.)

• #2 in the United Kingdom

• #2 in Ireland

• #1 in Germany

• Top 10 in several other countries

Within two months, it sold over one million copies, eventually reaching seven million worldwide. For a gospel song from an independent choir, this was unheard of.

Why “Oh Happy Day” Stood Out

Several factors made “Oh Happy Day” stand out:

• Arrangement: Hawkins modernized the traditional hymn with contemporary rhythms and soulful energy.

• Vocals: Dorothy Combs Morrison delivered a powerful, emotional performance.

• Timing: It arrived at the height of social and cultural change in the U.S. The song’s message of hope and redemption resonated with a wide audience.

• Crossover Appeal: It blended gospel, soul, and pop influences—paving the way for modern urban contemporary gospel.

Grammy Recognition

In 1970, Edwin Hawkins received the Grammy Award for Best Soul Gospel Performance for “Oh Happy Day.” This recognition marked a turning point in gospel’s mainstream acceptance. Hawkins was now seen as a pioneer of a new genre—urban contemporary gospel.

More Than a One-Hit Wonder

While The Edwin Hawkins Singers never matched the success of “Oh Happy Day,” they continued to record and perform for decades.

In 1970, they teamed up with Melanie for her single “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain).” Billed as Melanie with The Edwin Hawkins Singers, the song became a hit:

• #6 on the Billboard Hot 100

• A Top 10 hit in several countries

This collaboration again showcased their powerful voices and ability to elevate popular music.

Continued Work and Legacy

After their peak chart success, The Edwin Hawkins Singers focused more on live performances, recordings, and spiritual work. Edwin Hawkins continued to lead and mentor gospel artists. He also launched the Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts Seminar, an annual convention that brought together musicians and educators from around the country.

Hawkins influenced artists like Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, and CeCe Winans, who continued to fuse gospel with contemporary styles.

Hawkins passed away in January 2018 at age 74. Still, his influence and the joyful sound of “Oh Happy Day” endure.

Who Was Dorothy Combs Morrison?

Lead vocalist Dorothy Combs Morrison deserves recognition for her vital role in “Oh Happy Day.” Born in Longview, Texas, she moved to Richmond, California at a young age. Her powerful soprano helped bring Hawkins’ arrangement to life.

After the song’s success, she released solo material and continued to perform with various gospel ensembles. Her work remains a key part of gospel’s evolution in the 20th century.

Notable Facts About the Edwin Hawkins Singers

• They helped pave the way for gospel crossover into the pop mainstream.

• “Oh Happy Day” was one of the first gospel songs to get heavy radio play on secular stations.

• The song was featured in multiple films and TV shows, including Sister Act 2, Secretariat, and Big Momma’s House.

• Artists like Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, and Bob Dylan praised Hawkins’ work.

• The group continued to perform for decades, adjusting its lineup while staying rooted in gospel traditions.

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