Bass guitar and vocals
Born December 25th in Hammond Indiana, Darrell’s first exposure to Gospel music was at the age of 4. His mother, Elsie was good friends with Vestal Goodman of the “Happy Goodman’s” and he can remember both ladies practicing lyrics over the phone. Darrell quotes, "My mother purchased my first guitar a “Gibson Melody Maker” when I was 8 yrs old. I ended up playing that guitar for 9 years."
As a young man, he was inspired by his mother’s love for Gospel music and that led to the forming of their own trio “The Hawkins Family Trio”. That later led to performing with “The McDonald Family” and then on to “The Calvary Echoes” of Alexander City AL. Darrell has also had the pleasure of opening for “The Inspirations” of North Carolina and “The Travelers” of Montgomery AL.
Darrell states, "I have to say that performing with the "Calvary Echoes" Gospel group was the most enjoyable and rewarding of all my years because I was finally playing and singing for the Lord ... something I should have been doing long ago.” The group eventually went their separate ways and Darrell was left with a longing that lasted for many years. It was a need to be part of a gospel group and blessing people with his music. It became more obvious in the past 4 years and he had thought about going solo, but matters of life or lack of funds always seemed to block his way. This dream in his heart to perform was about to become a reality, and he was so happy and excited.
It was June 25 2006, when Darrell had just moved to the Hoover/Pelham area of Shelby County in Alabama, he was in search of a church to call home. He decided to attend a small community church in Pelham AL that was holding Homecoming services that Sunday. The “Dotson Family Quartet” were the scheduled guests. He had noticed during the morning service that the group did not have a bass guitar player. Being a bit curious, and with high hopes in his heart, he asked one of the group members Carol Hutto if they needed one. Carol replied, “We have a part-time player, but he can only come after his deacon duties at his own church.” Carol introduced Darrell to Archie and Christine Dotson and he was told to come by their house next week and audition the following week. He did so and he became the newest member to the “The Dotson Family Quartet".
Group member Archie Dotson often jokingly calls Darrell “Our Burt Reynolds look-alike” when introducing him to the audience. Darrell states that "Archie and Christine have become "mentors" to me. In fact, Archie's song "Peace In Jesus" (playing in the background) has become my favorite song. I lost my parents during the early part of my life. I have grown close to Archie and Christine and love them as if they were my own parents." Darrell continued by saying, "Southern Gospel Music has been in my blood for many, many years now, and I now look forward for every opportunity to play my bass guitar and sing ...and providing a blessing to the audience with this group of great friends.”
When asked what is his favorite passage in the Bible Darrell replied with Psalms 23:
"Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me."
"The Lord has indeed blessed me, by leading me to the Dotson Family, meeting my beautiful wife Mary, whom he married Jan 28 1995, and for our children.” His wife Mary, also contributes her talents to the group as secretary, website designer and promoter. Together they have 3 son‘s, James Nix of Oxford AL, James Hawkins of Alexander City AL and Bobby Hawkins currently serving with the Army in Iraq. They also have one wonderful granddaughter, Cortnee Nix, and one grand-daughter due in March.
Darrell also pursued a career in the U.S. Air Force in 1976. He is truly a multi-faceted person ... but most of all, his soul speaks to you through his song.
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