Pastor Ron Thompson sang with Edwin Hawkins in the Laney Junior College choir, where they both attended school. Pastor Ron talks about the amazing talent they grew up with, in the Oakland area, and the tradition of “midnight musicals” in the COGIC church. He describes how he was able to navigate his role as a husband, kids, college student, and a full-time job at General Motors while touring with the Edwin Hawkins Singers, and reflects on what prompted his ultimate decision to leave the Edwin Hawkins tour. He talks about The Holy Spirit as an integral part of the choir’s DNA, and how The Holy Spirit  made every performance a ministry.

Highlights:

• Ron meets Edwin during his studies at  Laney Community College;
• Edwin asks Ron to join the Hebrew Boys, and later the Northern California Youth Choir:
• Ron misses the original recording, due to his work schedule at General Motors:
• The success of “Oh Happy Day” inspires GM to give Ronald time off to tour with the choir:
• The. Hebrew Boys record their album while on tour with the Edwin Hawkins singers, in New York: and
• “Oh Happy Day” touches the hearts of people across denominational divides.