Tramaine Hawkins

Official Biography (courtesy of Tramaine Hawkins) 

One of the most renowned traditional gospel artists of our time, Tramaine Hawkins, began singing at the age of four, in Berkeley California at the Ephesians Church of God in Christ under her grandfather's leadership.

Tramaine made her first melodic musical impression as lead vocalist for the Edwin Hawkins Singers in 1970. Tramaine experienced crossover success with the Hawkins singers' rendition of "Oh Happy Day", which became a pop hit. Tramaine's powerful vocals define such Hawkins classics as "Going Up Yonder", "Changed", "Jesus Christ Is The Way" and many more.

At age ten Tramaine recorded her first single, "He's Alright" as a member of the Heavenly Tones. Two years later the group made the "I Love the Lord" album which was produced by the legendary James Cleveland.

At age fifteen Tramaine was asked to tour with the Heavenly Tones and Sly and the Family Stone. Tramaine listened to the voice of the Lord and chose to finish high school and stay faithful in singing gospel music. While in and following her high school years Tramaine sung with the Walter Hawkins' Praises of God and the Edwin Hawkins singers. Tramaine then moved on to the Los Angeles area to join Andre Crouch and the Disciples, where she sang lead vocals on the Grammy nominated single "Christian People".

After sharing her gift with Andre Crouch and the Disciples, Tramaine returned to the Oakland area where she rejoined the Edwin Hawkins Singers. In the early eighties, Tramaine began her solo career. Her single "Fall Down (Spirit of Love)" was the first gospel song to reach the number one spot on the dance charts and helped open the door to contemporary rhythms we hear in gospel music today. Tramaine went on to record nine solo albums and won numerous awards, including two Grammy's, two Dove Awards, five Stellar awards and two Communications Excellence to Black Audiences (CEBA) Awards.

Although Tramaine appreciates and humbly accepts awards they are not what ignite her. "There is a certain place when I am performing onstage where I know God is listening to me. It's like His presence and His spirit are surrounding me and God is saying, go this way, say this, hold that note, now stop right there", says Tramaine. When I think about that, it ignites me and brings me to tears, it's awesome.

Tramaine currently lives in the northern California area with her husband of ten years Tommie E. Richardson, Jr. Tommie is a retired educator with the Oakland Unified School District, where he dedicated 32 years of his life. Tommie has received numerous honors and awards serving as a member of the Executive Board of the Oakland Education Association. Currently, Tommie is the Founder and CEO of T. Richardson Investments a successful investment company. Tramaine has three children, sons Walter "Jamie" Hawkins (Myiia "Sunny"), Demar Richardson and daughter Trystan Hawkins.

While Tramaine continues to make legendary gospel music, she has remained consistent to the body of Christ, committed to her marriage and a loving grandmother to her precious grandchildren.