RIPON, Calif. (AP) — Walter Hawkins, a Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, composer and pastor from Oakland has died.
Family members say Hawkins passed away Sunday at his home in Ripon, Calif. He was 61.
Edwin Hawkins says his younger brother had been battling pancreatic cancer.
Born in Oakland, Walter Hawkins studied for his divinity degree at the University of California, Berkeley, where he recorded his first album entitled "Do Your Best" in 1972.
The next year Hawkins became a pastor and founded the Love Center Church in Oakland.
Friend and family representative Bill Carpenter says Hawkins later recorded a series of albums, earning nine Grammy Award nominations for his work. His "The Lord's Prayer" won a Grammy in 1980.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Ray Johnson, Father Of Jimmy Johnson, Passes
Ray Johnson, age 89, a native of Iuka, Miss., lived in Sheffield for more than 60 years, working until retirement as a crane operator at Reynold's Aluminum, and heading one of the most prominent families in the Muscle Shoals music industry.
Johnson was the father of Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section guitarist Jimmy Johnson, and grandfather of Jay Johnson, of The Southern Rock All-Stars. His early musical aspirations were shelved for decades while he raised his family, but emerged in 2000 when his son and grandson produced his first CD, "Cowboy Ray 2000."
Johnson began playing as a youngster with his older brother, Dexter. Performing as the Johnson Brothers, the duo built a following through weekly performances on Mid South radio programs during the late 1930s. When they began to perform, Ray was so young his feet couldn't touch the floor as he sat before the microphone at WNRA's studio in the Sheffield Hotel.
They moved to WMSD in Muscle Shoals when a fire destroyed the WNRA studios, and later were regulars on an hour-long lunchtime show broadcast by KLCN in Blytheville, Ark.
In 1940, Ray settled down, as Dexter continued to tour the Southeast with the Blue Seal Pals before returning to Sheffield to take a job with the Tennessee Valley Authority. Dexter moved into a house across the street from Ray, eventually converting his garage into the area's first recording studio.
Ray continued playing throughout his life as a hobby, and he and his wife, Hazel, were renown for the home-cooked meals and musical treats they served to celebrities working with their son at Muscle Shoals Sound. Among those that were privileged to participate in these private gatherings were The Oak Ridge Boys, The Staple Singers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blackfoot, Levon Helm and producer Jerry Wexler.
"Jerry Wexler would come in to produce an album, and he would always want to come to my house," Ray explained during an interview after the release of his CD. "When we got through eating, he'd ask me and my wife to get out the guitar and sing."
Wexler became a devoted fan of the Johnsons' food and hospitality and especially their music.
"He was mesmerized by their harmony," Jimmy Johnson said. "Mother sang this unusual harmony. It almost sounded like she was singing under him. It was really unique."
The recording project was conceived during conversations between Jimmy Johnson and his partner at MSS, Roger Hawkins. Hawkins' father had also been a musician.
"Roger and I had talked about doing a record on our dads since the '60s and '70s," Johnson said. "Both our dads were in country music before we were born. But we procrastinated and put it off."
Johnson was inspired to begin the effort by Tony Hooper, a local guitarist/producer, who had recently completed an album with another unheralded older musician, local guitarist Lanky York.
Tony was persuasive," Johnson said. "He looked at me and said, 'You better do this.' "
By the time the recording got under way, Ray's wife, Hazel, was battling cancer. She died May 8, 1999, and the CD, which includes her and Ray's favorite songs, is dedicated to her memory.
After the release of the CD, Ray returned to the stage for some local performances.
On Tuesday morning, July 6, 2010, Ray passed away. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 8, 2010, at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Sheffield. The Rev. James Taylor will officiate.
Ray is survived by his son, Jimmy Johnson and wife, Becky C. Johnson, of Muscle Shoals; grandson, Jay Johnson, Muscle Shoals; granddaughter, Kim (Lane) Tidwell, Killen, Ala.; great-grandsons, Jimmy Ray Johnson III and Trent Tidwell; great-granddaughter, Kayla Tidwell; sister, Mrs. Louise Harrison, Dyersburg, Tenn.; and nieces, Ida Ann Bean and Elsa Maye Crabtree.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Lewis Johnson; son, Earl Johnson; brothers, Dexter Johnson, Ellis Johnson, Edgar Johnson, Maskell Johnson, Mack Johnson; and sisters, Freda Matthews, Claire Gibbons, Verlan Deaton, Rachel Loveless, Peggy Diaz; and his parents, William Homer Johnson and Edith Ophelia Arnold Johnson, of Iuka, Miss., and the Shoals.
Ray was a member of First Baptist Church of Sheffield, IBEW local No. 558 and Sheffield Masonic "Blue" Lodge.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Borden, David Hood, Dewitt Bean, Bob Smith, Jerry Hodges and Rob Harrison. Honorary pallbearers will be Raymond Goode, Bobby Johnson, Frank Crabtree, Roger Hawkins, Bob Klose, Mark Willcutt and Mike Mihelic.
The family extends special gratitude to Anita and Scotty, of Southridge Place, and to Rita Van Dyke, of Green Oaks Inn.
Memorials may be made to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Tuscumbia, Ala.
Published in Florence Times Daily on July 7, 2010
Johnson was the father of Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section guitarist Jimmy Johnson, and grandfather of Jay Johnson, of The Southern Rock All-Stars. His early musical aspirations were shelved for decades while he raised his family, but emerged in 2000 when his son and grandson produced his first CD, "Cowboy Ray 2000."
Johnson began playing as a youngster with his older brother, Dexter. Performing as the Johnson Brothers, the duo built a following through weekly performances on Mid South radio programs during the late 1930s. When they began to perform, Ray was so young his feet couldn't touch the floor as he sat before the microphone at WNRA's studio in the Sheffield Hotel.
They moved to WMSD in Muscle Shoals when a fire destroyed the WNRA studios, and later were regulars on an hour-long lunchtime show broadcast by KLCN in Blytheville, Ark.
In 1940, Ray settled down, as Dexter continued to tour the Southeast with the Blue Seal Pals before returning to Sheffield to take a job with the Tennessee Valley Authority. Dexter moved into a house across the street from Ray, eventually converting his garage into the area's first recording studio.
Ray continued playing throughout his life as a hobby, and he and his wife, Hazel, were renown for the home-cooked meals and musical treats they served to celebrities working with their son at Muscle Shoals Sound. Among those that were privileged to participate in these private gatherings were The Oak Ridge Boys, The Staple Singers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blackfoot, Levon Helm and producer Jerry Wexler.
"Jerry Wexler would come in to produce an album, and he would always want to come to my house," Ray explained during an interview after the release of his CD. "When we got through eating, he'd ask me and my wife to get out the guitar and sing."
Wexler became a devoted fan of the Johnsons' food and hospitality and especially their music.
"He was mesmerized by their harmony," Jimmy Johnson said. "Mother sang this unusual harmony. It almost sounded like she was singing under him. It was really unique."
The recording project was conceived during conversations between Jimmy Johnson and his partner at MSS, Roger Hawkins. Hawkins' father had also been a musician.
"Roger and I had talked about doing a record on our dads since the '60s and '70s," Johnson said. "Both our dads were in country music before we were born. But we procrastinated and put it off."
Johnson was inspired to begin the effort by Tony Hooper, a local guitarist/producer, who had recently completed an album with another unheralded older musician, local guitarist Lanky York.
Tony was persuasive," Johnson said. "He looked at me and said, 'You better do this.' "
By the time the recording got under way, Ray's wife, Hazel, was battling cancer. She died May 8, 1999, and the CD, which includes her and Ray's favorite songs, is dedicated to her memory.
After the release of the CD, Ray returned to the stage for some local performances.
On Tuesday morning, July 6, 2010, Ray passed away. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 8, 2010, at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Sheffield. The Rev. James Taylor will officiate.
Ray is survived by his son, Jimmy Johnson and wife, Becky C. Johnson, of Muscle Shoals; grandson, Jay Johnson, Muscle Shoals; granddaughter, Kim (Lane) Tidwell, Killen, Ala.; great-grandsons, Jimmy Ray Johnson III and Trent Tidwell; great-granddaughter, Kayla Tidwell; sister, Mrs. Louise Harrison, Dyersburg, Tenn.; and nieces, Ida Ann Bean and Elsa Maye Crabtree.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Lewis Johnson; son, Earl Johnson; brothers, Dexter Johnson, Ellis Johnson, Edgar Johnson, Maskell Johnson, Mack Johnson; and sisters, Freda Matthews, Claire Gibbons, Verlan Deaton, Rachel Loveless, Peggy Diaz; and his parents, William Homer Johnson and Edith Ophelia Arnold Johnson, of Iuka, Miss., and the Shoals.
Ray was a member of First Baptist Church of Sheffield, IBEW local No. 558 and Sheffield Masonic "Blue" Lodge.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Borden, David Hood, Dewitt Bean, Bob Smith, Jerry Hodges and Rob Harrison. Honorary pallbearers will be Raymond Goode, Bobby Johnson, Frank Crabtree, Roger Hawkins, Bob Klose, Mark Willcutt and Mike Mihelic.
The family extends special gratitude to Anita and Scotty, of Southridge Place, and to Rita Van Dyke, of Green Oaks Inn.
Memorials may be made to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Tuscumbia, Ala.
Published in Florence Times Daily on July 7, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
DONDRIA VS PHATFFFAT PREVIEW
DONDRIA VS PHATFFFAT PREVIEW
Check out the preview of Dondria's new album brought to you by So So Def / Malaco.
Check out the preview of Dondria's new album brought to you by So So Def / Malaco.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Rev. F.C. Barnes Is Back With His Latest Offering
Mr. Rough Side Of The Mountain himself Rev. F.C. Barnes is back with his latest offering “(God Is God) He Won’t Change” featuring Darrell Luster spent 20 weeks on the Mediabase Gospel Top 30
Click on the link below and see how Gospel music appreciators react when they hear this song performed “Live” for the first time!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBdG85iIyaE
Thank you to following stations for your support…
WHLH – JACKSON, MS
KHLR - LITTLE ROCK
WYLD – NEW ORLEANS
WOAD - JACKSON, MS
WHLW – MONTGOMERY, AL
WLOK – MEMPHIS, TN
WSOK - SAVANNAH, GA
KATZ – ST LOUIS, MO
WEUP – HUNTSVILLE, AL
WXOK – BATON ROUGE, LA
KOKA – SHREVEPORT, LA
WNOO - CHATANOOGA, TN
Click on the link below and see how Gospel music appreciators react when they hear this song performed “Live” for the first time!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBdG85iIyaE
Thank you to following stations for your support…
WHLH – JACKSON, MS
KHLR - LITTLE ROCK
WYLD – NEW ORLEANS
WOAD - JACKSON, MS
WHLW – MONTGOMERY, AL
WLOK – MEMPHIS, TN
WSOK - SAVANNAH, GA
KATZ – ST LOUIS, MO
WEUP – HUNTSVILLE, AL
WXOK – BATON ROUGE, LA
KOKA – SHREVEPORT, LA
WNOO - CHATANOOGA, TN
BeBe and CeCe Winans To Be Honored With Stars On The Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011
The Walk of Fame Committee of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has announced the famous folks whose names will be added to the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011, and some locally connected artists are on the list.
Gospel stars and siblings BeBe and CeCe Winans are due to be honored with stars, as is country crew Rascal Flatts. Nashville area-reared actress Reese Witherspoon's name comes in under the Motion Pictures category, and talk-show queen Oprah Winfrey — another famous former Nashvillian — comes in the Television category.
Flatts and the Winans are joined in the Recording category by Melissa Etheridge, Slash, the Black Eyed Peas' Will.i.am and others. Buddy Holly and Louis Prima were named as posthumous honorees. Other big– and small-screen names listed include Gwyneth Paltrow (who was recently here in Nashville filming Love Don't Let Me Down with Tim McGraw), Tina Fey, Penelope Cruz and others.
~ Published by Nicole Keiper The Tennessean
Gospel stars and siblings BeBe and CeCe Winans are due to be honored with stars, as is country crew Rascal Flatts. Nashville area-reared actress Reese Witherspoon's name comes in under the Motion Pictures category, and talk-show queen Oprah Winfrey — another famous former Nashvillian — comes in the Television category.
Flatts and the Winans are joined in the Recording category by Melissa Etheridge, Slash, the Black Eyed Peas' Will.i.am and others. Buddy Holly and Louis Prima were named as posthumous honorees. Other big– and small-screen names listed include Gwyneth Paltrow (who was recently here in Nashville filming Love Don't Let Me Down with Tim McGraw), Tina Fey, Penelope Cruz and others.
~ Published by Nicole Keiper The Tennessean
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Southern Soul Radio Now Streaming LIVE Video
Southern Soul Radio (www.southernsoulradio.com) is now streaming 'LIVE' video. Tune in on your computer to watch Funky Larry Jones and DJ Outlaw Monday - Friday (7:00AM - 4:00PM CST). In case you miss a show, we have past shows available for viewing under the main player. We now feature daily polls and a chat room full of interesting topics. Pull us up and tell a friend. www.southernsoulradio.com!
Janet Jackson "Nothing" available now on iTunes
Movie Lovers,As you may know the reigning "King of Faith Base Stage Plays & Films" Mr. Tyler Perry newest film "Why Did I Get Married Too" will hit theatres on April 2, 2010.
The lead single from the "Why Did I Get Married Too" soundtrack is Janet Jackson’s song entitled "Nothing." (Produced by Jermaine Dupri)
Whether you are married, single, in love or have ever been in love, you can relate to this song for "God Is Love."
To download "Nothing" from iTunes, click here.
Enjoy!!!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Maurette Unplugged For Haiti
Pikesville, MD, February 23, 2010 -- Nettie’s Child Music and Management, LLC in conjunction with Rehoboth International Covenant Church is gearing up to sponsor “I Unplugged for Haiti...with Maurette Brown Clark”, a fundraiser benefit concert on Friday, March 5, 2010. The concert is set to begin at 7:30pm.
The concert will be held at Rehoboth International Covenant Church, 9016 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD, where Apostle Chris and Cathy Williams are Pastors. Admission is free, but an offering will be taken, and attendees are urged to bring their best monetary donations.
All proceeds from the fundraiser will be forwarded to Bethel Gospel Assembly in Harlem, NY, in support of their ongoing Haiti Relief effort. During their first visit to Port Au Prince, Haiti, they were able to provide medical supplies and other essential items to earthquake victims. For more information about Bethel Gospel Assembly, please visit www.bethelga.org/haiti.aspx.
For more information regarding this fundraiser event, please contact us at www.maurettebrownclark.com.
The concert will be held at Rehoboth International Covenant Church, 9016 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD, where Apostle Chris and Cathy Williams are Pastors. Admission is free, but an offering will be taken, and attendees are urged to bring their best monetary donations.
All proceeds from the fundraiser will be forwarded to Bethel Gospel Assembly in Harlem, NY, in support of their ongoing Haiti Relief effort. During their first visit to Port Au Prince, Haiti, they were able to provide medical supplies and other essential items to earthquake victims. For more information about Bethel Gospel Assembly, please visit www.bethelga.org/haiti.aspx.
For more information regarding this fundraiser event, please contact us at www.maurettebrownclark.com.
Major Roberson Of The Pilgrim Jubilees Passes
The Malaco Music Group regrets to announce the passing of Major Roberson, an original member of the legendary Quartet group, The Pilgrim Jubilees.
Major Roberson was born to this world on June 11, 1925 in Gunnison, MS and went home to be with the Lord Monday, March 1, 2010, 11:00 PM at his home in Chicago, IL.
Major Roberson was not only a singer, but an accomplished songwriter having written several songs for the famed group. His most notable songs were “The Old Ship Of Zion”, “The Doors Of The Church Are Open”, “Church Song”, “Don’t Let Me Drift Away”, “Exit 100”, “He Brought Joy To My Soul”, “Me My God And I”, & “Testify For Jesus.”
Major Roberson is survived by his wife Hattie Roberson, several children, a host of grand children and great grand children.
Arrangements have been scheduled as follows:
Friday, March 12, 2010 – 7:00 P.M.
“A Musical Tribute”
Gatling Chapel Annex
10133 S. Halsted St.
Chicago, Il 60628
773-881-4111
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Home going Celebration
Visitation: 10-11 AM- Funeral 11-12Noon
Greater White Stone MBC
3819 W. Ogden Ave.
Chicago, Il.60623
773-762-4113
For more information, to send flowers or cards of condolences, please contact:
Gatling’s Chapel
10133 S. Halsted St.
Chicago, Il. 60628
773-881-4111 Phone
773-881-3925 Fax
Or Val Grant 708-841-3319
For more information on the history of The Pilgrim Jubilees, please feel free to visit www.malaco.com
Major Roberson was born to this world on June 11, 1925 in Gunnison, MS and went home to be with the Lord Monday, March 1, 2010, 11:00 PM at his home in Chicago, IL.
Major Roberson was not only a singer, but an accomplished songwriter having written several songs for the famed group. His most notable songs were “The Old Ship Of Zion”, “The Doors Of The Church Are Open”, “Church Song”, “Don’t Let Me Drift Away”, “Exit 100”, “He Brought Joy To My Soul”, “Me My God And I”, & “Testify For Jesus.”
Major Roberson is survived by his wife Hattie Roberson, several children, a host of grand children and great grand children.
Arrangements have been scheduled as follows:
Friday, March 12, 2010 – 7:00 P.M.
“A Musical Tribute”
Gatling Chapel Annex
10133 S. Halsted St.
Chicago, Il 60628
773-881-4111
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Home going Celebration
Visitation: 10-11 AM- Funeral 11-12Noon
Greater White Stone MBC
3819 W. Ogden Ave.
Chicago, Il.60623
773-762-4113
For more information, to send flowers or cards of condolences, please contact:
Gatling’s Chapel
10133 S. Halsted St.
Chicago, Il. 60628
773-881-4111 Phone
773-881-3925 Fax
Or Val Grant 708-841-3319
For more information on the history of The Pilgrim Jubilees, please feel free to visit www.malaco.com
Friday, February 19, 2010
A Fallen Radio Angel
KFIT 1060 AM, in Austin, TX announces the passing of Station Manager Terri Lewis, on Monday, February 15, 2010 at Seton Medical Center, in Kyle, TX.
Terri was married to former radio and record industry veteran Jimmy Anthony. Mr. Anthony worked in such capacities as Program Director of WOAD 1300 AM, in Jackson, MS and National Radio Promotions for the Malaco Music Group. They were married in 1988 at the American Gospel Quartet Convention in Birmingham, AL.
Arrangements are as follows:
Memorial/Wake
Friday, 19 February 2010, at 7:00pm
St. Edward's B.C.
702 Montopolis Drive
Austin, Texas 78741
512-385-3564
Visitation: 9:00am
Saturday, 20 February 2010.
Services: 11:59am
Saturday, 20 February 2010
Mims Chapel COGIC
1801 East 38 1/2 Street
Austin, Texas 78722
512-482-8588
Bishop Joseph Coe, Sr Officiating
Pentecostal Tabernacle UGOCIC of America, Inc.
Cards or acknowledgements may be sent to the residence, 504 Pine Siskin Drive, Buda, TX 78610
Terri was married to former radio and record industry veteran Jimmy Anthony. Mr. Anthony worked in such capacities as Program Director of WOAD 1300 AM, in Jackson, MS and National Radio Promotions for the Malaco Music Group. They were married in 1988 at the American Gospel Quartet Convention in Birmingham, AL.
Arrangements are as follows:
Memorial/Wake
Friday, 19 February 2010, at 7:00pm
St. Edward's B.C.
702 Montopolis Drive
Austin, Texas 78741
512-385-3564
Visitation: 9:00am
Saturday, 20 February 2010.
Services: 11:59am
Saturday, 20 February 2010
Mims Chapel COGIC
1801 East 38 1/2 Street
Austin, Texas 78722
512-482-8588
Bishop Joseph Coe, Sr Officiating
Pentecostal Tabernacle UGOCIC of America, Inc.
Cards or acknowledgements may be sent to the residence, 504 Pine Siskin Drive, Buda, TX 78610
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