Roy Hamilton was one of the truly individual and innovative performers of the R&B and pop scene during the 1950s and early 60s as he combined his classically-trained vocal style and his roots in black gospel music to bring another dimension to interpretations of contemporary pop and R&B material as well as to classics of the Great American Songbook to achieve a string of pop and R&B hits during these years. Along the way, he also provided inspiration for R&B and soul singers who followed in his wake, most notably Brook Benton, for whom he was a significant mentor, and Sam Cooke, encouraging him to turn towards secular music. Elvis Presley also credited him with influencing his ballad-singing style, while the Righteous Brothers also drew on his hit repertoire.

This extensive 3-CD set comprises almost all his A & B sides recorded for the Epic label during this era, and features all his sixteen career hits he achieved before his untimely death from illness in 1969, including the R&B No. 1s You'll Never Walk Alone and Unchained Melody, and the Top 10 classics Ebb Tide, Hurt, If I Loved You, Don't Let Go and You Can Have Her. Its a comprehensive introduction to an artist who has not received the attention or recognition over the years that his influence and success merits, and it offers a substantial and enjoyable showcase for a highly distinctive vocal talent.

REVIEWS

"Expanding on Jasmine's double CD 52-tracker from 2010, the 80 tracks on this set will be embraced by the many collectors who appreciate Roy's golden voice… This excellent value set, with fine notes by Paul Watts, contains all the gems." Tony Watson (Blues & Rhythm Issue 336)

"The collection is assembled with the usual care shown by the Acrobat label and I hope it does well although judging by the liner notes it seeks to position Hamilton as a kind of pre-soul pioneer rather than a standard era balladeer who never got the breaks he deserved." Gerry Stonestreet (In Tune Issue 323)

"For rock'n'rollers the up tempo minority are perfectly acceptable, if sometimes a little pop… but what a talent." Pete Bowen (Now Dig This Issue 430)