POP MUSIC REVIEW : Gospel Groups Salute King

Co-hosting Sunday’s musical tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. at the Wiltern Theatre, Reginald Utley repeated the grieving refrain of Dion’s 1968 pop eulogy: “Has anybody here seen my old friend Martin?” As this was an all- gospel salute to the slain civil rights leader, however, the question was succeeded by a joyful retort: “Heaven is where he is,” said the gospel radio show host, to an approving full house.

It was an evening of alternating currents, with every speech offered in honor of King, every song an homage to the King of Kings.

The legendary Hawkins Family headlined the benefit with six family voices as full as any mass choir and a funky backing band to boot. Of five choirs featured, the 80-plus Voices of Faith was the obvious favorite, adept at beefing up delicate hymn-style material as well as pounding R&B.;

The tribute, sponsored by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, was to benefit anti-drug and anti-gang programs.