Walter Hawkins died today after a long battle with cancer early he is Famed gospel singer. For over 40 years has had a distinguished career writing and singing some of the most beloved songs of gospel music.

Early in his career he accompanied his brother, Edwin Hawkins, as a member of The Edwin Hawkins Singers.

While with the group he helped produced the song, “Oh Happy Day” which became one of the first gospel songs crossing mainstream music charts.

In the 1970s Walter Hawkins left the group to establish the Love Center Church in Oakland, California.

He and his Love Center Choir had considerable success with their love alive series, which collectively sold over a million copies of the 70s through the 90s.