The Hawkins Family - HeavenSound.com

History of the Group...
The Hawkins Family celebrate over 50 years in gospel music ministry which began in 1958. Buddy and his wife, Imogene, formed the quartet with their two young daughters, Lou and Norma and the family first began holding tent meetings in Texas. They soon started attending monthly singings and singing conventions near their hometown of Hot Springs. Before long they became a familiar sight at local churches and began to sing throughout Arkansas and surrounding states. Today, the group members include Morris Tabor, Lou (Hawkins) Tabor, Terry LeMay, and Valerie Oliver. Paul DeWeber playing mandolin, guitar and fiddle, Dan Henderson playing electric guitar, and Malcolm Harmon playing steel guitar also travel with the group.

The Legend Award...
In October 2008 the family presented their 50th Year Celebration concert entitled Joy for the Journey hosted by their home church. During the evening their pastor presented the group with a plaque honoring their 50 years of gospel music ministry. The group is a member of the Texas Gospel Music Artists Association. At the annual convention held in January they were chosen to receive the 2008 Legend Award honoring their longevity in gospel music ministry. They are also members of Four States Gospel Music Association based in Texarkana.

Special Places...
The group is active in spreading the gospel through their musical talents. They have sung in many revivals, special services, homecomings, and concerts. They have also appeared in concert with The Cathedrals, Lewis Family, The Isaacs, The McKameys, The Freemans, Booth Brothers, and Gold City Quartet. In their willingness to help others they have participated in numerous benefits throughout Arkansas. They were instrumental in bringing gospel music to the midway of their county fair for several years. In addition to appearing at other county fairs they also sang on the gospel music program at the Arkansas State Fair.

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. The park continues to present the best in southern gospel, bluegrass, and country gospel throughout the summer months. Nestled among shade trees in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, the hillside amphitheatre provides an intimate view of the stage. The park offers a monthly schedule of down home, southern gospel concerts from May through September each year. One of the highlights of the summer season is the 2-day Hawkins Family Homecoming Celebration held each year in July.

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. To commemorate 45 years in gospel music ministry in 2003 the project Amazing Grace was released. The latest project entitled Gentle Shepherd includes songs recorded by the current group.

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. (Heb. 6:10 KJV)