|
- History of the Group...
This year commemorates a lifetime of music and praise as The
Hawkins Family celebrate over 50 years in gospel music. In 1958,
Buddy and his wife, Imogene, formed the quartet with their two
young daughters, Lou and Norma. Buddy answered the call into
the ministry which took the family to Longview, Texas. They provided
the music for the tent meetings. Since this was prior to electric
keyboards they used an old upright piano and Buddy learned right
away how to tune a piano (daily). After leaving the tent ministry
the family began to sing in singing conventions and monthly singings
around Hot Springs. They soon became a familiar sight at local
churches and began to sing throughout Arkansas and surrounding
states. Today, the group members include Morris Tabor, Lou Tabor,
Terry LeMay, Valerie Oliver, Paul DeWeber, Dan Henderson, and
Malcolm Harmon. The group is a member of the Texas Gospel Music
Artists Association and the Four States Gospel Music Association.
-
- Special Places...
The group is very active in spreading the gospel through their
musical talents. They have sung in many revivals, special services,
homecomings, and concerts. Other functions include the Arkansas
State Fair, Mesquite Opry, Festival of Two Rivers, South Arkansas
Quartet Convention, Hope Watermelon Festival, Arkansas State
Quartet Convention, Saline County Old Fashion Days, Sawmill Days
Festival, Mid South Quartet Convention, the Ozark Folk Center,
Prairie Grove Clothesline Fair and the Lester Flatt Memorial
Park. They have shared the stage with The Cathedrals, Lewis Family,
The Isaacs, The McKameys, The Hemphills, The Freemans, The Booth
Brothers, Gold City Quartet and others. In their willingness
to help others they have participated in numerous benefits throughout
Arkansas.
-
- Hickory Hill Park...
In addition to singing and being a part of these activities,
in 1987 they built Hickory Hill Park located just off Highway
7 North in Hot Springs. It is dedicated solely to the promotion
of gospel music and Christian fellowship. Nestled among shade
trees in the heart of the  Ouachita
Mountains, the beauty of the park is undisturbed. The park offers
a monthly schedule of downhome, southern gospel concerts from
May through September each year. One of the highlights of the
summer season is the Hawkins Family Homecoming Celebration held
each year in July. In addition to great gospel music each night
this event features a birthday celebration complete with a giant
birthday cake, and "a Family reunion" on the last night.
Crowds continue to grow as visitors from all over take a drive
to the country for some good ole' southern gospel music.
-
-
- Radio, TV, Records, Tapes...
The group produced weekly gospel radio programs for many years
on local stations. In 1994, they put together a special two-hour
live program for a Mississippi TV station which features religious
broadcasting. In addition, they have produced eight projects
presenting their unique southern style of music and close harmony.
As a part of the 40th Anniversary Celebration the daughters re-released
the Gloryland tape as a tribute to their Mom and Dad. A project
entitled Amazing Grace…How Sweet the Sound was released
in 2003 in celebration of 45 years in gospel music. There are
22 songs on the compilation CD including live performances, favorites
from projects through the years, as well as songs which have
not been recorded on any other project. Granddaughter, Angel,
sings the title song. Their latest project, Gentle Shepherd,
features songs recorded by the current group.
Today, they share the warmth and sincerity of their desire to
further the cause of Christ by opening their peaceful home at
Hickory Hill to all who appreciate the beauty of voices lifted
in praise. All other weekends away from the park will find this
group traveling the highways sharing their music...southern style!
-
-
- "There's
a message that encourages the discouraged, lifts up the downhearted,
excites the unexcited, and entertains the listener...it's called
Gospel Music!
Let us bring glory to God as we sing it…"
-- Buddy
Hawkins
|
