“Get out of his way
He doesn’t need you
to try and do it.
He only needs you to Agree.
Get out of the way.”

Of his astounding songwriting abilities, Minister Hawkins says he is inspired purely by life’s events, “I am very optimistic. When bad things happen, I think what am I supposed to glean from this situation? I try to find that thing. Music is the most universal communication tool. Someone is always going through the same things that I am. That is pretty much how I write my songs.”

The music and production of A Song in My Heart is beyond compare. Says the Bishop, “I can’t afford with my name to do it in a cheesy way. It’s got to be done right.” With that being said, he approached the best in the business to make his debut the treasure that it is. The proud Hawkins says that working with famed string arranger and composer, Jeremy Lubbock (Barbara Streisand, Joni Mitchell, Celine Dion, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Baby Face) was a pure blessing. “We approached Jeremy Lubbock thinking that he would be really too expensive. He actually said, “it would be his delight to work with us - he would match who ever bid the lowest. Jeremy was the highlight of making the album.”

Although purists may yearn for the familiar sounds of the Hawkins’ classic, “Marvelous,” to that the Bishop says, with all due respect, “I didn’t write a “Marvelous,” this time. I didn’t intend to.”

Walter Hawkins, most known for his astounding music career is by no means short on his dedication to The Word. Although he has finally found his own voice with this album, he still speaks with care and a watchful eye to the mild hysteria that is approaching the gospel music industry. As a 30-year old veteran, he offers wisely, “As the music becomes more mainstream, the artist need to question his motives; is it easier to get into gospel music because it is not so overcrowded? Or, is your motive for God’s glory, do what you are doing… but if it is for visibility and cash, go do secular music,” the Bishop suggests.

Bishop Hawkins maintains his humility in the midst of a glorious and ongoing celebrated career. Of his one Grammy award win, nine Grammy nominations, three Dove Awards several Gospel Music Workshop Of America (GMWA) awards, and numerous Stellar Award nominations and lifetime achievement recognition, he says, ”I am not really sure that the Grammy prestige applies to the gospel market. I did have the opportunity to perform at the Grammys, but the Dove and Stellar Award recognition were in the strictly gospel realm. It felt like my home was appreciating me. That felt good.”

Although touted all over the world for his beautiful singing voice, he maintains,  “I don’t think I am an exceptional singer. I am humble because I have to remind myself that there is someone who is better than me and if you can’t think responsibly about what God has given you…There are better singers than me but one has to realize the different dimensions of their gift and settle down when the urge to be envious comes in.”

Bishop Walter Hawkins has a full schedule. He pastors and runs the nearly 2500-member Love Center Ministry, with speaking, singing and guest pastor invitations coming in from all over the world. Now, to add to the schedule, he has this world- changing ministry within the notes of this album that will keep him busy for a long time. In his spare time, of which there is little, he says, “I am 55-years old I am just getting started!  The approach is different. I am doing me now. Me is different than the group, and the choir and it is more of a challenge.”

Living remotely with his two sisters, he says he spends his spare time reading the bible on his 20-acre estate outside of Oakland, California. During his career he has been able to reflect on the many blessings that God has given him and he in turn has given to the world. He says of his fast-paced life, “It has been extremely rewarding to see how much I have blessed people’s lives. Sometimes, I am taxed, tired and overwhelmed…but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

For more information visit www.walterhawkins.org or www.codarecordsllc.org