From: "Dik de Heer" Subject: Born To Be With You : Roy Hamilton ROY HAMILTON Born 16 April 1929, Leesburg, Georgia Died 20 July 1969, New Rochelle, New York Singer. Hamilton had a dramatic, searing baritone in the mould of Billy Eckstine and Al Hibbler. His singing style influenced Elvis Presley and Jackie Wilson. After singing in the Searchlight Gospel Singers and a short career as a semi-pro boxer, Hamilton started having ballad success in the pop and R&B markets. "You'll Never Walk Alone" was a # 1 R&B hit and this was followed by "If I Loved You", "Ebb Tide" and "Hurt" (revived by Timi Yuro in 1961 and many others after her), all in 1954. There were four hit versions of "Unchained Melody" in 1955 alone. The Les Baxter instrumental was # 1 on the pop charts, but Roy's version was # 1 R&B and also # 6 pop (his first pop hit). Forced to abandon his musical career in June 1956 due to a bout of tuberculosis-related pneumonia, Roy re-emerged in 1958 with the Jesse Stone composition "Don't Let Go" (# 13 pop), which was revived by Jerry Lee Lewis in 1965 (for Smash) and then again in 1979 (on Elektra). He also appeared in the film "Let's Rock" and had further hits (all on Epic) until 1961 ("You Can Have Her", # 12). Switching to MGM and then to RCA, Hamilton would be unable to match his previous success. Hospitalised for hypertension, pneumonia, and a stroke, he died at the age of 40. Recommended listening: Anthology (2 CD-set, Collectables). 36 tracks.