Michael Hawkins - ProfilesArchive

About Me

Rich soulful tones and distinct heartfelt delivery are the signature of Michael Hawkins. As a native of Memphis, he began singing at age 9. He completed training in classical and modern vocal music at Overton School of Creative and Performing Arts.Michael's professional career began while singing as a part of the electrifying, O'landa Draper and the Associates. For 8 years, he displayed his vocal abilities while touring as an integral member of this group. Among his accomplishments are three album recordings including the title cut solo on the Grammy award-winning project, "Reflections."His gift has also afforded him the opportunity to perform background vocals for artist such as Russ Taft, Jennifer Holiday, Rich Mullins, Yolanda Adams, Kim Burrell, and Billy Joel to name a few.Michael's feature performances include monthly cameo appearances at Issac Hayes Music Food Passion and Precious Cargo both located in the heart of downtown Memphis, with past performances at the Georgia Dome for Atlanta's 2000 Football Classic.Michael received a nomination for Best Male Vocalist in the Naras Memphis Chapter 2000 Premier Players Awards. In 2001 his debut single, "Another Place," topped off at ..2 on the nationally syndicated radio network "The Light." A short time later, he received the award for Best Male Vocalist of the year at the 1st annual Gospel Bridge Awards held in Memphis, Tennessee.In December 2004 Michael moved to New York City and began performing in March of 2005 at the Iridium Jazz Club on Broadway in Manhattan where he performed consecutively for 9 months during the Iridium Sunday Brunch. In July of 2005 he was the featured artist at Brooklyn's Chocolate Monkey Club, and Manhattan's Studio 8 Club on 34th st. In September of 2005 Michael was cast in the 8 member cast of the Off Broadway Musical called "Pure Gospel America" which opened November 2005 at th New Jersey Performing Arts Theatre and toured to Nyack, in Upstate New York, at the Helen Hunt Theatre. Michael appeared in the play Follow The Star, a Nathaniel Townsley Production in December 2005 and performed along side R&B star Melba Moore, and Gospel Sesation Natalie Wilson. In January 2006 Michael made cameo appearances at New York's Terrace on the Park, and in Febuary 2006 the Village's Cafe` Wha, and Club Groove. In Febuary 2006 Michael performed at BB Kings in Time Square doing Tributes to Luther Vandross and Ray Charles and returned to BB Kings in April for a special tribute concert to James Brown, George Clinton and Parliament, and Sly and the Family Stone. Performing at the Apollo Theatre in April 2006 Michael sang background vocals for the Gorillas. In April 2006 Michael performed at the Rainbow Room in Manhattan during a Funraiser for Volvo with the Harlem Gospel Choir. Michael was casted as the Lead Male Vocalist for the Off Broadway Musical "Imagine Tap" opening July 2006 in Chicago Ill, working with famed music director, Zane Mark, and Choreographer, Derick Grant. During Imagine Tap in Chicago Ill Michael was referred to in the Chicago Sun Times as soul-stirring for a gospel rendition of "Dance Like David" written by Zane Mark,and Luminous for the Salsa rendition called "Tu Eres Loco." In August of 2006 Michael was selected to perform background vocals for Elisabeth Withers, Blue Note Recording Artist and star character of the Broadway Show Color Purple.Of the future, Michael brings new flavor to the Nu-Soul era that shares the reality of personal intimacy with the creator.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 8/29/2006
Band Members:
Influences: My influences range from a variety of people be it family, friends, educators, singers, musicians, ect. First and foremost, God is the largest influence in my life. Without him nothing would be possible. My mother, Linda Hawkins, who has always believed in me, my father, Michael Hawkins, who loves me no matter what, my syblings, Brian and Kim who always respects me as Big Brother. My Grandmther, Oneather Lewis is a person who helped build character in me and shape the way I think. My only aunt, Carolyn Shaw always says to me, "Lil Mike, you can do it! Whatever you put your mind to you can do it." My Big Moma, who was like a best friend, as well as my grandmother, always said to me, "Your name is a famous name. You will be known for that which God gifted you. Listen to what I say, Big Moma ain't gonna tell you no lies." Two gentlemen who really were role models in life for me of what it means to take care of family are James A. Lewis, a.k.a. Grandaddy, and Ananias Hawkins, a.k.a. PoP. I will never forget precious moments shared with my family. O'landa Draper and all the Associates sparked a musical flame in me that will burn forever. I could never trade the funfilled life experiences of my years with the Associates. Lulah Hedgeman, a woman who said, " Noone cares once you leave the backdoor." She gave me wonderful doses of reality which hold true today. While getting dressed for school at my house on any given morning, you could hear the sounds of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, Luther Vandross, George Benson, Patti Labelle, Gladys Kinght, and Anita Baker. Groups like Earth Wind & Fire, The Gap Band, The Winans, Commissioned, and The Williams Brothers all left various impressions on this musical journey. There are three very special people who helped to bring my music to life. I will forever be grateful to Dave Brown, William Brown, and Dj Brown. Thanks to the influence these gentleman had on me and my music, I now know what it feels like to actually hear what you write come to life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of the people who contributed to my life. You helped to make me the man I am today.:

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