Lawrence Hill, a pioneer of music, has a profile that spans more than 50 years. With a love and admiration for music, Lawrence followed the “notes” into a passion that he would share with the world.
The Early Years
While his story begins in the city of “hidden gems”; Fresno, California, he was raised in Oakland. Born to Reverend Dr. William and Deolla Hill, it was clear at the tender age of 3 that Lawrence found his calling. He was attracted to the microphone like a magnet as he sang at church. Even his neighbors were aware of his gifts as they were awakened to Lawrence singing hymnals taught to him by his father.
Lawrence began studying cello in elementary school which opened the door to him playing in citywide orchestras. In 1963, he had the opportunity to sing with a group called the Heavenly Tones which included now American award winning Gospel singer Tramaine Hawkins. Lawrence eventually moved on from the group as his voice changed from soprano to bass. He started playing the piano by ear which motivated him to start writing songs.
Oh Happy Day
During his high school years, he joined the Northern California State Youth Choir. Lawrence eventually left California to study Political Science and Economics at Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon. His college journey would take a brief pause to return back to Oakland. In 1969, he went on tour for a year as one of the original members of The Edwin Hawkins Singers, mesmerizing the world with the hit “Oh Happy Day”. This experience helped Lawrence form a group called the New Generation Singers comprised of college students.
In the early seventies, Lawrence was ready to take his music career to the next level. He moved to Los Angeles and landed a position as a staff writer for Sky Hill Publishing and Shelter/Capital Records where he wrote for Mary Russell. Lawrence went on to tour with Leon and Mary Russell for 9 months. He also wrote for “The Queen of Northern Soul”, Gloria Jones (writer of “If I Was Your Woman”). This relationship produced several smash hits worldwide. Lawrence worked with famed artists T. Rex and David Bowie on Gloria’s ‘Vixen’ project.
Advocacy
While music served as a first love for Lawrence, it did not stop him from advocacy. In 1974, he became an employee of the County of Los Angeles Communications Department. He served 5 years in this department. Lawrence also worked with The District Attorney’s Office – Child Support Services Department for 35 years. As a Child Support Officer his duties were to enforce court orders for thousands of clients. Lawrence served as a Shop Steward for the Service Employee International Union (SEIU) for 30 years.
He was also a two term Board of Director’s member. Lawrence was the chairperson and member of the Ad-Tech Bargaining Unit for 30 years. He worked as a Labor Advocate for Grievance and Arbitration for a total of 4 years (lost timer). Lawrence served as a lobbyist for SEIU, Department of Child Support in Sacramento and Washington D.C. He served on 3 federal task forces and as a member of the County of Los Angeles Oversight and Advisory Committee for Child Support.
The Sound of Gospel
In the late seventies Lawrence returned to his gospel roots by recording with Charles May as a featured artist on his Deliverance LP. He also worked with Ricky Grundy on two records.
His creativity and vision led him to appearing and writing for television and radio commercials. In 1993, Lawrence co-starred alongside legendary Daryl Coley in the Gospel opera called “Job” as Lucifer. The play was performed in Los Angeles and Stockholm, Sweden.
Lawrence founded a group called Inheritance which included singers from The Edwin Hawkins Singers that could not travel on tour with Edwin Hawkins.
The Big Screen
In the mid-nineties, Lawrence attained commercial success as a writer, vocalist and actor for the acclaimed television show “Touched by an Angel”. He served as Choir master for several episodes. Lawrence was also an actor on the “Sister, Sister” TV series as well as “The Doors” movie. He worked as a part of the vocal sound design team for the movies “Eve’s Bayou” and “Caveman Valentine”. He also starred in the stage plays “Dark Legends in Blood” and “Voices”.
Inheritance Records
There was an evolution of music in the early 2000’s that affected artists and their ability to get signed to labels. Lawrence decided to create Inheritance Records, a specialty label in 2012. After all, he knew music and had an understanding of how the music business worked from years of experience.
Now, Lawrence plans to release “What The World Needs Now Is Love Sweet Love” which is a much needed call to bring peace during these troubling times. He delivers a message of love with his new single. His smooth and reassuring voice creates an atmosphere of unity that is sure to resonate with people of all backgrounds. Lawrence Hill’s single will be released and available wherever music is sold digitally on July 10, 2020.
This Minister of Music continues to serve churches and people with a legacy that is far from over. Learn more about Lawrence Hill at his official website inheritancerecords.com.