Fans Want Hamilton in the Georgia Music
Hall of Fame
The Atlanta Doo-Wop
Association recently submitted a nomination to the Georgia
Music Hall of Fame “Georgy” Awards on behalf of rhythm and
blues balladeer, Roy Hamilton.
A native son of Georgia,
Hamilton was born in Leesburg, GA in 1929. His career as a singer
spanned nearly 15 years.
He was known worldwide and was an inspiration to many
fellow artists such as Jackie Wilson, Brook Benton, Sam Cooke
and Elvis Presley.
His songs reached the top of the billboard charts and
his concert dates were continuous sellouts. Songs such as “Ebb
Tide”, “Unchained Melody” and “Don’t Let Go” continue to be a
staple in the fabric of popular American music.
Eugene Tompkins, President
of the Atlanta Doo-Wop Association said in the nomination
letter “Roy Hamilton and his music will be remembered by
many. His
accomplishments are deserving of consideration for this
coveted and prestigious award.”
Hamilton was known as the
“Golden Boy” with the golden voice. He earned a reputation
as a magnificent balladeer with a voice as smooth as
silk. At the age
of six in Leesburg, Hamilton began singing in a church
choir. In 1943,
his family moved to Jersey City, New Jersey.
After graduating high
school, he turned to singing and entered the amateur night
contest at the world famous Apollo Theater in New York City
where he took second place. Upon a return
engagement, he won first place.
Recording for Epic Records,
his first hit “You’ll Never Walk alone” reached #1 on the
billboard charts and remained there for 8 weeks in 1954. Other hits included
“If I Loved You,” “Ebb Tide,” “Unchained Melody” (which also
hit #1 in 1955), “Don’t Let Go” and “You Can Have
Her”.
Roy Hamilton appeared
on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Jackie Gleason Show and The Steve
Allen Show just to name a few. A showstopper,
Hamilton impressed other artists such as Count Basie, who
claimed him as “one of America’s greatest singers” and Tony
Bennett, who considered him “a great talent and
gentleman”.
His
melodic voice was trained in opera and classical, as well as
having a background in gospel. Hamilton
was clean cut and handsome and was always mobbed by adoring
fans. His
influence continues today and he remains one of the premier
singers of his time.
His career spanned from 1954-1969 when he died of a
stroke.
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