INTERNATIONAL AMBASSADOR: GEORGE HAMILTON IV SUCCUMBS TO CORONARY DISEASE Over the years, there has been many an artist who has a vast and impressive catalog to their credit. But rare among them is an artist whose large catalog includes at least one track that qualifies as an example of absolute, utter perfection. One artist who was indeed blessed with such a triumph was singer, songwriter and Winston-Salem, North Carolina native George Hege Hamilton IV. At the onset of his career, Hamilton focused upon rock and roll, with numerous worthwhile sides for ABC Paramount to his credit. He made great strides in that respect for the label with his outspoken and inspiring The Teen Commandments single, which he recorded with label mates Paul Anka and Johnny Nash. Legendary songwriter John D. Loudermilk also provided Hamilton with a career highlight via the 1956 single, A Rose And A Baby Ruth, which was initially issued by Colonial Records and eventually re-released by ABC Paramount. Ultimately, it was Loudermilk and his remarkable gift for songwriting that gave Hamilton his career highlight. Hamilton had signed with RCA Victor in 1961, where he continued his impeccable run with such triumphs as Three Steps To The Phone and China Doll. However, in 1963, Loudermilk provided Hamilton with the flawless and utterly sublime Abilene. Hamilton in turn rendered Abilene with a mix of subtlety and intensity; a seemingly incongruous hybrid which had been developed to perfection at that time by such like minded visionaries as Michael Holliday and Matt Monro. Ultimately, Abilene became Hamiltons (and Loudermilks) finest moment; in the process making as strong of an argument in favor of the so-called Nashville Sound that could be made. In 2001, Abilene was selected by Blitz Magazine as one of the Best Singles of the Twentieth Century. Hamilton continued to record and tour prolifically in the ensuing years, with his 1980 Spin, Spin single among his later career highlights. An outspoken champion of country music and a long time devoted Christian, Hamilton for years also served as a worship leader in the Billy Graham crusades. However, on 13 September of this year, he suffered cardiac arrest, which finally claimed his life in Nashville, Tennessees Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital on 17 September. Hamilton was 77 years old. Here is a classic live clip of George Hamilton IV, reprising that once in a lifetime example of absolute, utter perfection, Abilene: https://youtube/watch?v=gu4XsZo005I
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 02:50:53 +0000
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