A Conversation with Lady Tramaine Hawkins: A Journey of Faith, Music, and Legacy

Lady Tramaine Hawkins is an anointed songstress for the ages. Tramaine Hawkins has sung lead on some of the most pivotal gospel songs of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Lady Tramaine has recorded multiple albums, including solo albums, compilations, and live in concert albums. Her reputation is one of humility and grace as she is celebrated as highly respected by many. She has been honored to receive a plethora of accommodations, awards, and citations. Tramaine has won two Grammy Awards, two Dove Awards, 19 Stellar Awards, an NAACP Image Award, and The BMI Award among many others.

I’m sure it is difficult to name only one favorite song by Tramaine as there are many that come to mind. For me, “Jesus Christ is the Way”, “Lord I Try”, “Changed”, and “Holy One” are among many of my favorites. Wait, “The Potter’s House” and “What Shall I Do” must be added to my list.

I recently had the privilege of speaking to Lady Tramaine about her life, family, career, and the future.

 

George: Welcome to WOW! Magazine. I want to take a moment to tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to speak to me today to share your story. I’m sure our readers will discover things they may not have known about you.

Lady Tramaine: It is my pleasure to speak with you Mr. Ward and the WOW! Magazine family of readers.

George: Let’s get right into it. Is it true that your mother, Lois “The Pie Queen” Davis, left a concert early to give birth to you?

Lady Tramaine: My mother was a featured singer at my grandfather’s church. He was the pastor of Ephesians COGIC in Berkley, California. My mother would tell me stories about what was going on at my church. She was a lyric soprano singing on the broadcast. When she finished singing her selection, she felt me coming and left the church. I was born in San Francisco.

George: Tell us about your family life growing up.

Lady Tramaine: Some people may have called me a preacher’s kid, because I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. My grandfather and I walked twelve blocks to church. My parents were always cooking at their restaurant called, Lois The Pie Queen that still exists today. My brother Chris Davis in the proprietor of the restaurant. My mother was singing, “In the Morning When I Rise,” and I could hear her singing two blocks away. My mother had a pure and very high voice, much higher than mine. My grandmother, “Big Mama,” sewed all our clothes. We loved going to church. My first solo was at four years old. Big Mama said if you get nervous look at the clock on the wall in the back of the church. Big Mama was the church cook and everybody loved her pies. Bishop Ernestine Cleveland Reems was my aunt. In those days she was an evangelist and took me on the road at eight years old and put me up to sing before she preached. We dressed in pretty pink dresses; she loved for us to look alike when we ministered together.

George:That is amazing. When did you know you had a special anointing as a vocalist?

Lady Tramaine:As a child I knew a had a special calling on my life, because of the church atmosphere and singing on the choir. At seven I received Christ and was baptized and spoke in tongues. “I Come to the Garden Alone” was my first solo. I had an opportunity to sing with The Honey Combs, a secular female group. While staying with my grandparents in Los Angeles, I had the opportunity to travel with Andre Crouch and the Disciples. I rehearsed with The Honey Combs that included choreography and I wasn’t good at it.After three days I had a dream from the Lord who told me that it was not for me, I couldn’t go on tour, and I could not be a part of the group because I was meant to sing gospel music.

George: Tell us how it was growing up in a dynamic church with your grandfather as the pastor, your mother as an anointed singer, and grandmother who was a great cook and a mentor?

Lady Tramaine: Some people may not know this. The music department was vibrant. Edwin and Walter were the musicians for the choir at Ephesians COGIC. Later Edwin Hawkins and Betty Watson formed The Northern California State Choir. We traveled to NYC to be a part of a choir competition, and we came in second place. When we came back home, we kept the choir together. Edwin wrote and recorded “Oh Happy Day” at Ephesians COGIC. The choir went on tour. The tour buses took us out on the road for a few months at a time. We would slick our hair back and use hair pieces. I was the one to do a few ladies’ hair. After that, Edwin and Walter formed the Hawkins Family. Edwin would rehearse us for hours and hours to make sure things were right before a tour. He believed in perfection.

George: Who were the influences that made you want to pursue a career as a singer?

Lady Tramaine: I sang with a girl group from my church called The Heavenly Tones. It was Mary, Tiny, Gayle, Vivyne, Vet, and myself. Walter played piano for our group, and his brother Daniel played the organ. Our first single was “He’s Alright,” and after that was “I Love the Lord” produced by Rev. James Cleveland. My influences were The Caravans, The Staple Singers, and Mahalia Jackson. I told my mom that I wanted to sing just like Mahalia! My mother took me to see her and she was regal with her hair done just right. She clapped her hands and that amazing voice rang out filling the entire room acapella. That’s when I told my mother that’s what I wanted to do with my life.

George: What was your first big break that caused people to notice your vocal skills?

Lady Tramaine: When I recorded “Changed” and “Goin’ Up Yonder” on the Love Alive Album. I was one of the first females to sing with Andre Crouch and tour with him.

George: What was it like being married to Walter while singing solos in The Hawkins Family group?

Lady Tramaine: We married very young. I was 19 and our life centered around music. Walter “Jamie” was born the year we got married. Jamie was a good son and adapted to everything. He sat still during our concerts. Two years after that Walter was called to the ministry. Trystan, my daughter, was born 3 years afterwards. It was all about music and the church in those days. I was a young pastor’s wife and it was very difficult as the wife of a pastor, having two small children on the road. I was blessed to eventually have someone to be with the children while we were out on the road. However, if I could have done it all over again as a young wife and mother, I would have taken my children and had a nanny travel with us.

George: When you are in concert, what are the songs you MUST sing that the congregation wants to hear?

Lady Tramaine: “Changed” is the most requested by far, however, I love “He’s That Kind of Friend,” and “Holy One,” “I Never Lost My Praise,” and “Look at Me.” There are several songs I will begin to include in my concerts. I was thrilled to reunite with one of the most talented keyboardists, Jeffrey LaValley. He gets me as a lead singer, he knows how to follow and compliment what I’m doing.

George: As a female gospel vocalist, what is the secret of longevity?

Lady Tramaine: I gleaned so much from my vocal coach Hannibal Means. He really kept me on point. He told me my voice is a gift from God and an instrument, and that’s how you want to present it. You should also have a covering in the form of a scarf around your throat. This is what has sustained my voice. Vocal placement is crucial along with diaphragmatic breathing. Without getting too technical, these two techniques are the foundation of keeping your voice healthy. Learn how to “squall” the right way in order to save the quality of your voice.

George: The quality of your voice is the same. Is there some kind of regimen you have?

Lady Tramaine: I do not drink or smoke. I stayed away from those things by the grace of God. I drink plenty of tea, water, and relax. I believe the Lord honors what I do in ministry because of this.

George: What is your impression of the evolution of gospel singers and gospel music in general?

It’s an evolution! In some regards I feel that the commercial aspect of gospel music has taken a turn. Every generation goes through an evolution. They experiment and stretch the boundaries. That’s a good thing, because it’s an expression of who they are. I admire some artists for that. However, I’m not comfortable with many performances of their music. It can take away from the real identity of representing the gospel “We are the salt of the earth” Matthew 5:13. We have to constantly maintain the gospel identity, because we represent Christ.

George: Many churches focus more on praise teams and choirs are almost obsolete.

Lady Tramaine: I’m sensitive to that because during the pandemic choirs dwindled. There’s room for all of it. As far as I’m concerned nothing can replace a choir of 50 voices singing in perfect harmony. At present, churches are leaning on the praise teams until members come back to church and join the choir once again.

George: Are you planning to record a new album soon?

Lady Tramaine: I’m planning to record soon; however, it may turn out to be a compilation of songs, old and new. We are working on new songs as we speak. A release date has not been decided.

George: What are you doing now as an artist that our readers should know?

Lady Tramaine: I am doing a series of dates with the multi award-winning conductor, composer, arranger, and producer, Dr. Henry Panion, who is a phenomenal orchestra director who is on tour with Stevie Wonder as we speak. He’s also worked with Yolanda Adams and Reuben Studdard. These experiences have been a shot in the arm. I appreciate him as it is a pleasure joining him in ministry with the orchestra. I am so very excited to do this with him. We performed together November 17th in Birmingham, AL with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. I performed “Changed,” “Holy One”, “The Potter’s House,” “I Never Lost My Praise,” and “Oh Happy Day.”

George: What would you say to encourage an up-and-coming singer who wants to make a career as a gospel vocalist?

Lady Tramaine: First, seek God for that move. It’s rewarding if you love gospel music as I do and that is your calling. Be a fan of gospel music and listen to those who are your favorites, but it’s important also to be yourself. If your style is unique, go for it and be you. I was very serious about it as a young lady. Listen to plenty of music and just sing. Get on the choir or praise team and train your ear, develop your tone, and learn to blend with others.

George: I spoke to your husband at length and I found him to be a remarkable man. Please introduce us to him.

Lady Tramaine: My husband Tommie Richardson Jr. is the love of my life. We’ve been married 31 years. My husband is a loving man. He calls me Baby and I call him Honey. When we’re around others they think his name is honey. He’s the kind of mate people marvel at because he’s a true companion. I wouldn’t be able to do ministry the way I do without him. He travels with me and holds my hand every step of the way. I also want to mention Nicole Davis who is my niece, she takes care of us both and travels with us to make sure everything is in order.

George: Thank you so much Lady Tramaine. It has been my great pleasure to speak with you today. I have learned new aspects of your life and career and I’m sure our readers have as well. You are a treasure!

Dr. George Ward, DSM is an experienced Pastor of Worship, Worship Leader, and Choir Master. He has served in several capacities at various churches while conducting Music and Worship Conferences. George is a vocal instructor/coach and former talk show host on Spirit and Truth.

George Ward

George Ward

George Ward is the Music Editor for WOW! Magazine. George holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with a strong emphasis in Vocal Performance from Langston University, a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Lincoln University, and an Honorary Doctorate in Sacred Music from The Lighthouse Theological Seminary. He has continued educational experiences from The University of the Arts, Settlement School of Music, and Temple University. With over 40 years in sacred music, he has served as Pastor of Worship, Artistic Director, Minister of Music, Worship Leader, and Vocal Instructor, and has conducted numerous worship conferences and gospel workshops. George has performed background vocals for noted artists such as Tramaine Hawkins and CeCe Winans, and he currently offers consulting services to churches seeking to enhance their worship through “The Ministry of the Arts” concept.  He also hosted the talk show “Spirit and Truth,” which inspired congregations to cultivate authentic worship. A life member of the contemporary gospel group Changed, George is now writing a book entitled Worship God’s Way.

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Dennis Hughes
Dennis Hughes
21 days ago

It’s a great story, to honor someone legacy and career love it

Kenney McCall
Kenney McCall
21 days ago

Wow is more like it. Phenomenal interview with one of Gospel’s very best! Proud of you my dear friend, Langston University alum and brother in Christ!

Cubby
Cubby
19 days ago

This was good and insightful I found out things about her I didn’t know of course. Her child hood in cogic and her grandmother’s restaurant. Brings me back to a time of great choir music sic and artistic expression. Her vocal training and rest for her voice . Her relationship with Bishop Hawkins and the music scene of back then. 

Very good job honoring such a legend

Carolyn Wheeler
Carolyn Wheeler
18 days ago

Thank, you George for writing about Lady Tremaine Hawkins. She is a beautiful and gracious Gospel Singer. Her life story is simply amazing. She is one of my favorite vocalists.I grew up down South and remember hearing the choir singing from blocks away from the church. You did an awesome job. Keep up the good work. Mom Wheeler 

Hayward Ratliff
Hayward Ratliff
18 days ago

Brother George Ward:
Congratulations! This was a great article, wonderful interview– and educational, too! I strongly suggest it be archived for historical reference. Tramaine Hawkins is a true trailblazer who has marked gospel music with her unique voice and artistry. She’s earned her place in American music history.
Too, I appreciate how she was addressed as “Lady” Tramaine. It’s a fitting and well-deserved title. So, from now on, I will do the same.

On a personal note: Lady Tramaine Hawkins has ALWAYS been my favorite female gospel artist. I was just a teenager and assistant church musician when “Love Alive I” made a big splash and turned gospel music on its ear!
Edwin Hawkins, brother Walter and Lady Tramaine will FOREVER be credited as THE PIONEERS of contemporary gospel music. “Oh Happy Day”, “Changed”, and “Goin’ Up Yonder” are songs that have remained gospel favorites for 50+ years!
And yes, we still know all the lyrics! 🙌🏾

Larry Bush
Larry Bush
16 days ago

Wonderful interview and article. Tremaine has been a lifelong favorite of mine! Her music and ministry has been an inspiration to me!! “Holy One” still moves me to my core! Also “When You Pray”. I loved how she was able to keep a finger on the pulse of Gospel music throughout the years! Y’all remember “Fall Down”????

D. Edward Graves
D. Edward Graves
16 days ago

Dr. Ward did a wonderful job engaging Lady T. Thanks Candie and George for re launching and for such a good interview

Deveron Patterson
Deveron Patterson
10 days ago

What a beautiful interview with whom I refer to as the Queen 👑 and the Blueprint of Contemporary Gospel Music, Lady Tramaine Hawkins! She’s still relevant and regal and is well loved by all who loves Gospel Music.
Continual Success George!! 👍🏾❤️

Michelle Overton
Michelle Overton
9 days ago

Great article, George! I learned so many things about this amazing lady.

Sadik
Sadik
9 days ago

This is a great interview and write up! I love the nuggets of wisdom and insight she gave as well. Personally, my favorite songs from Lady Tremaine are Goin’ up yonder and the Potter’s House! Blessings to you both for your service in the Lord’s vineyard!

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