The East Bay, as well as the San Francisco Bay Area as a whole, can boast of more than a slender entry in the annals of Christian music. While some artists are known and associated with the area, others not often thought of as part of the local scene have their roots here.

In gospel, while the Hawkins brothers aren't the only artists of note they are justifiably the most celebrated. Oakland natives Edwin (born in 1943) and younger by six years brother Walter are so commonly taken for granted in the area at times their remarkable accomplishments are almost overlooked. Edwin's "Oh Happy Day" in 1969 set the popular music world on its ear as the first pure gospel song to become a pop Top Ten hit. Walter and one-time wife Tramaine have also enjoyed considerable success in both gospel and to a lesser degree pop. The Hawkins family made gospel acceptable in the mainstream.

Although generally thought of as being born in southern California, Christian rock has deep roots in the Bay Area. Larry Norman, the father of Christian rock, grew up in San Francisco. Chuck Girard, who led the seminal soft rock band Love Song, spent his teen years in Santa Rosa. Randy Stonehill, who worked closely with Norman in the genre's early years, grew up in San Jose. Terry Taylor, leader of Daniel Amos and member of the Lost Dogs, grew up in San Jose as well. Mike Roe of the 77s and the Lost Dogs also spent time in San Jose.

More on Taylor in the next article.