Erskine Hawkins, III
Local Unsung Hero
Nominated by Janis Boone
As we at Minding My Business continue to celebrate black excellence, 365 days a year, we would like to introduce to some and present to others, Mr. Erskine Hawkins, III. We celebrate this humble musical genius for his unsurmountable contributions to the music industry.
Erskine Hawkin.s, III, a Texas resident, has spent years working and touring with a broad range of national artists around the globe as a music director. Erskine learned to play from his father Erskine Hawkins Jr. and started playing in the church at age 13. In high school, he was a member of the jazz band. Straight out of high school, Hawkins was hired to lead a Motown band at Six Flags Theme Park Over Texas. He went on to study Music at the University of North Texas, as a graduate of the prestigious music program, Erskine was the only African American graduate to earn an undergraduate degree in Jazz Piano (and minor in music theory).
Hawkins proves to be one of the most skilled and sought-after keyboardists in the industry today. Working as the music director, keyboardist and producer for Grammy Award winning R&B Diva Chrisette Michelle, Disney, and fashion icon Zendaya, Sony’s Leon Bridges, and music legend Brian McKnight, Hawkins shows that he is no stranger to versatility amongst genres and creativity. He also served as one of the music directors in the music ministry at The Potter’s House led by Bishop T.D. Jakes and Oak Cliff Bible fellowship led by Dr. Tony Evans.
Hawkins has toured as a keyboardist with Rihanna, Eminem, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Brian McKnight, Jessie J, and Tamela Mann to name a few. He has also charted, scored and arranged music for such artists as Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, Nicki Minaj and several award shows including, The Masked Singer, BoyBand, The Four, The 94th Oscar Awards, The American Music Awards, Soul Train Awards, TV Land Awards and BET Music Awards. It’s not only his undeniable ear and talent that set him apart from other music directors, but it’s his ability to effectively communicate and un-presumptuously maneuver through all facets of the music industry that make Erskine Hawkins a name you won’t forget.
Hawkins is married to the beautiful Ekena Hawkins and they have 2 children together: Erskine, IV and Elizabeth.
December 16, 2021
Out of all of the arrangements I’ve done to date, this is probably my favorite.” (Erskine Hawkins, III)
From the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship 2020 Christmas Production
“MARY DID YOU KNOW”
Vocalist: Pastor Patrick Dopson
Director: Myron Butler
String Arranger: Roy Cotton
https://www.facebook.com/erskine.hawkins/videos/275217074576916
