The Edwin Hawkins Singers, Oh Happy Day

Reading Time: 3 min read

In the 24th edition of Music Lifts (2024), we’re uplifted by The Edwin Hawkins Singers performing the beloved gospel classic, “Oh Happy Day.”

Welcome to Music Lifts , a column highlighting songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs exuding fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity. Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights! So, for the 24^th edition of Music Lifts (2024), we highlight “Oh Happy Day” as performed by The Edwin Hawkins Singers.

“Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day) / Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day) / When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed) / …He Washed my sins away.” “Oh Happy Day” is a beloved, often covered gospel classic by The Edwin Hawkins Singers. Edwin Hawkins (1943 – 2018) penned this inspiring, uplifting song first recorded in 1968. It appeared on the album, Let Us Go Into The House Of The Lord. Fittingly, “Oh Happy Day” also appears on the 2001 greatest hits compilation, Oh Happy Day: The Best of The Edwin Hawkins Singers. The lyrics are adapted from a much older song, the hymn, “O Happy Day That Fixed My Choice” written by Philip Doddridge and Edward F. Rimbault. Hawkins transforms the hymn into a rousing, crowd-pleasing gospel song that never grows old.

“Oh Happy Day” speaks to the merciful, omniscient, and wonderworking power of Jesus. It is a musical testimony. “He taught me how / To watch / Fight and pray / Fight and pray,” the memorable, soaring chorus goes. In The Edwin Hawkins Singers’ hands, “Oh Happy Day” becomes incredibly rousing during the jubilant bridge. Lead singer Dorothy Combs Morrison goes all-in witnessing !

“Now when I think of heaven! (Oh, happy day)

I’m gon’ spread the news! (Oh, happy day)

I’m gonna walk around! (Oh, happy day)

In my golden shoes! (Oh, happy day).”

balancing a barbell on finger One of the most famous covers of this gospel standard comes from Sister Act 2, which starred Whoopi Goldberg. Celebrating the 30^th anniversary of the film, Goldberg and the cast performed “Oh Happy Day” on The View. Oh, the nostalgia! Most importantly, however, Hawkins’ classic ministers to the awesomeness of J-E-S-U-S. “Oh Happy Day”, indeed!