Roy Hamilton

Roy Hamilton (April 16, 1929 – July 20, 1969) was an American singer. By combining semi-classical technique with traditional black gospel feeling, he brought soul to Great American Songbook singing.

For the basketball player, see Roy Hamilton (basketball). For the record producer, see Roy Hamilton III. For the neurologist, see Roy Hamilton (physician).

Roy Hamilton
Hamilton in 1957
Background information
Birth nameRodothas Hamilton
Born(1929-04-16)April 16, 1929
Leesburg, Georgia, United States
DiedJuly 20, 1969(1969-07-20) (aged 40)
New Rochelle, New York, United States
GenresTraditional pop, show tunes, swing, vocal jazz, R&B, soul
Occupation(s)Singer
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active1947–1969
LabelsEpic, MGM, RCA
Websiteroyhamilton.net

Hamilton's greatest commercial success came from 1954 through 1961, when he was Epic Records' most prolific artist. His two most influential recordings, "You'll Never Walk Alone" and "Unchained Melody", became Epic's first two number-one hits when they topped the Billboard R&B chart in March 1954 and May 1955, respectively. Hamilton became the first solo artist in the label's history to have a US top-ten pop hit when "Unchained Melody" peaked at No. 6 in May 1955.

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