Roy Hamilton is inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame! The Hamilton Family accepts on his behalf

The Atlanta Doo-Wop Association submitted a nomination to the Georgia Music Hall of Fame “Georgy” Awards on behalf of rhythm and blues legend, Roy Hamilton. On September 11, 2010, the Hamilton Family including the two thriving musical sons, Roy and Ray Hamilton, stood on stage and saw that dream come to fruition.

 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.”

Roy Hamilton Jr and Ray Hamilton at the 2010 Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards

 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 & Elvis Presley “Angelica” Session 1969

 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”.