History of the Group...
This year commemorates a lifetime of music and praise as The Hawkins Family celebrate 50 years in gospel music. In 1958, Buddy and his wife, Imogene, formed the quartet with their two young daughters, Lou and Norma. The family started out in singing conventions and monthly singings around Hot Springs. They soon 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. Dan Henderson playing lead guitar and Paul DeWeber playing mandolin and fiddle also travel with the group. The group recently became members of the Texas Gospel Music Artists Association (GMAA) and the Coastal Bend Gospel Music Association (CBGMA).

Our Mission...
Our mission is Mark 16:15 "Go ye into all the world" We sing gospel music because we're being used of God to fulfill that commission and accomplish all that God gives us to do through Christ. We're glad that we are privileged to travel many miles every year to take God's message in song to people who are looking for something real.

Special Places...
The group is very 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, and Gold City Quartet. In their willingness to help others they have participated in numerous benefits throughout Arkansas.

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. It is dedicated solely to the promotion of gospel music and Christian fellowship. Nestled among shade trees in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, the hillside amphitheatre provides an intimate view of the central stage with its earthen floor banked by a wall of natural mountain stones. The park offers a monthly schedule of downhome, southern gospel concerts from May through September each year. One of the highlights of the summer season is the 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 containing 22 songs. The latest project entitled Gentle Shepherd includes 11 songs recorded by the current group. The project is dedicated to the memory of Buddy Hawkins (1924-2004).

Today, they share the warmth and sincerity of their desire to further the cause of Christ by opening their peaceful home at Hickory Hill to all who appreciate the beauty of voices lifted in praise. All other weekends away from the park will find this group traveling the highways sharing their music...southern style!

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