Darwin Hobbs

*Gospel artist Darwin Hobbs has been hospitalized in Atlanta due to large blood clots in his lungs. He recently underwent a lap band surgery, which according to reports went well.

Hobbs has lost quite a bit of weight, but is still working to reach his weight loss goal, according to publicist Gwendolyn Quinn.

His wife, Traci Hobbs, says the doctors are keeping him in the hospital due to the recent surgery, but the family is looking forward to his release soon.

“Darwin is stable and they have started him on the blood thinners for the blood clots,” said Traci. “Please continue to keep Darwin lifted up in prayer.  We’re believing God that the blood thinners will work and dissolve the blood clots.”

Hobbs has been busy promoting his new project, “Champion,” which was released in June. He was on his way to a radio event in Indianapolis when he was diverted to the hospital by his doctor because Hobbs was having trouble breathing.

Walter Hawkins

*Gospel music icon Bishop Walter Hawkins passed away in at his home in Ripon, CA on Sunday after suffering with pancreatic cancer, according to online reports. He was 61

According to  his older brother Edwin, Walter fought a brave battle with the disease.

“Today, I lost my brother, my pastor, and my best friend … Bishop Hawkins suffered bravely but now he will suffer no more and will be greatly missed,” he said.

Hawkins was a contemporary gospel forerunner who rose to prominence as a member of the Hawkins Singers along with his brother  in the late sixties.

The articulate tenor’s tender voice possessed authority and a tonal quality second to none as demonstrated on the duet he shared as a featured artist with Donald Lawrence on the 2006 Tri-Cities Singers recording, “Seasons.”

The Christian Music Hall of Fame inductee was also the former husband of gospel legend Tramaine Hawkins. He was also the beloved pastor of Love Center Ministries in Oakland. In May of this year he was saluted with a sixty-first birthday celebration

Hawkins is survived by two children, Trystan Hawkins and Walter “Jamie” Hawkins Jr., an R&B singer; a daughter-in-law, gospel singer Myiia “Sunny” Hawkins; two grandchildren, Jamie-Daniel and Jahve; and his siblings, Carol, Feddie, Edwin, Daniel, and Lynette.

(5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
 

*Gospel lovers are in for a treat. Pure Platinum Music Group is releasing a compilation CD in commemorating 20 years of the late Rev. Paul Jones track “I Won’t Complain.”

Also on the commemorative anniversary album are gospel hits like “Wounded,” “Let Your Will Be Done,” and “Don’t Want No Rocks.” Also included is a bonus DVD about what happened in Haiti from the earthquake.

It has been two decades since the release of Rev. Jones’ classic and it has become a church favorite across the country and been an inspiration for other gospel artists and even secular singers like Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Karen Clark Sheard, and so many others.

Look for the album available now at Walmart. A portion of the proceeds will go to Haiti relief.

Watch the late Rev. Paul Jones preach and sing “I Won’t Complain”:

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
 

Juanita bynun-SoulCry-AlbumVersion