At the age of 17, Hawkins sang on the Edwin Hawkins Singers Choir's single "Oh Happy Day". With her distinctive soprano and extensive vocal range, she became better known as a featured soloist with late husband Walter Hawkins' Love Center Choir as well as the Hawkins Family. Hawkins scored several hits as a solo artist in the 1980s while signed to Light Records, and released now-classic albums, such as her 1979 self-titled debut, "Tramaine", and its 1983 follow-up "Determined". Songs such as "Changed," "Goin Up Yonder", "He's That Kind Of Friend", Jesus Christ Is The Way" and "Highway" quickly became staples and fan favorites.