An American gospel musician, Edwin Hawkins (1943–2018) rose to international fame in the late 1960s with his arrangement of the 18th-century hymn "Oh Happy Day." This groundbreaking crossover hit, performed by the Edwin Hawkins Singers, brought gospel music to a mainstream audience and earned him a Grammy Award. Throughout his career, Hawkins continued to compose, arrange, and perform, leaving an indelible mark on both gospel and popular music.