Local artists and Gospel performers will come together to celebrate the life of gospel legend Bishop Walter Hawkins during a free concert on August 2 beginning at 7 p.m. at First Goodwill Baptist Church, 6900 Compton Ave., Los Angeles.

The Grammy Award-winning legend passed away on July 11, at age 61, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Oakland, Hawkins studied for his divinity at the University of California, Berkeley.

In 1972 while still a student, he recorded his first album titled “Do Your Best.” A year later he became a pastor and founded the Love Center Church, where he also formed a choir. In the 1980’s, Hawkins recorded a number of albums and earned nine Grammy Award nominations. Some of his greatest hits such as “Oh Happy Days” and “What is This.”

Artists expected to perform include L.A. Inner City Mass Choir, Jonathan Grier, Miracle Mass Choir, Chosen, Pastor Theo Wilkins  and Sounds of Praise, Sonya Griffin, Minister. John Bernard & LVC, City of Refuge’s PSALMS Choir, Tata Vega, Kelly Price, Keith Pringle, Rodena Preston, and The Clara Ward Singers, Edna Tatum, Kingdom Worship Arts.