George Hamilton IV facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Hamilton IV
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George Hamilton IV at the Grand Ole Opry in 2007
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | George Hege Hamilton IV |
| Born | July 19, 1937 Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | September 17, 2014 (aged 77) Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Genres | Country |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1956–2014 |
| Labels | ABC, Colonial, RCA Victor, Lamon |
George Hege Hamilton IV (born July 19, 1937 – died September 17, 2014) was an American country music singer. He started his career in the late 1950s as a popular singer for teenagers, often called a "teen idol." In the early 1960s, he switched to country music, where he became very well-known.
Contents
Early Life and First Hits
George Hamilton IV was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in the United States. His parents were George Hege Hamilton III and Mary Lilian. His grandfather, who worked on the railroad, first introduced him to country music.
While he was a 19-year-old student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, George recorded a song called "A Rose and a Baby Ruth." This song became a big hit, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. By 1960, it had sold so many copies that it earned a "gold record" award.
Moving to Country Music
After having several pop hits, George Hamilton IV joined a tour with famous rock and roll stars like Eddie Cochran and Buddy Holly. He also appeared on popular TV shows such as The Jimmy Dean Show and American Bandstand. He even hosted his own TV music shows.
In late 1959, George moved his family to Nashville, Tennessee, which is known as "Music City," to focus on country music. On February 8, 1960, he officially became a member of the famous Grand Ole Opry. This is a big honor for country music artists. Later that year, he signed with RCA Records.
Country Music Success
George Hamilton IV's first big country hit was "Before this Day Ends" in 1961. His most famous song, "Abilene," came out two years later. This song was a huge success, staying at number one on the Billboard country singles chart for four weeks. It also reached the top 20 on the pop charts.
In the mid-1960s, George's music started to include more folk music sounds. He had hits with songs like "Steel Rail Blues" and "Early Morning Rain," both written by Gordon Lightfoot. Another popular song was "Urge for Going" by Joni Mitchell. His last top-five hit was in 1970, called "She's a Little Bit Country."
International Ambassador of Country Music
After his songs became less popular in the U.S. in the early 1970s, George Hamilton IV began traveling the world. He toured in places like the Soviet Union, Poland, Australia, and the Middle East. These tours were very successful and earned him the nickname "the International Ambassador of Country Music."
In the 1970s, he was the first American country singer to have his own TV show in Britain on the BBC. He also hosted a popular TV series in Canada for six years. In the 1980s, he performed with famous preacher Billy Graham on tours.
Later Career and Gospel Music
In 2004, George recorded a gospel album called On a Blue Ridge Sunday. This album was nominated for a Dove Award, which is a big award in gospel music. He continued to perform regularly at the Grand Ole Opry and in country shows in the U.S. and the UK.
In 2010, George Hamilton IV celebrated his 50th year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He also released an album of hymns called Old Fashioned Hymns. This album featured many other famous country and gospel artists.
Death
George Hamilton IV passed away on September 17, 2014, after having a heart attack. He was 77 years old. A memorial service was held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, where many musicians performed and shared stories about his life. He is buried in his hometown of Winston-Salem.
The George Hamilton IV Collection, which includes items from his career, is kept at the Wilson Library at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Family Life
George Hamilton IV married his high school sweetheart, Adelaide "Tink" Peyton. They had two sons, George and Peyton, and one daughter, Mary.
His middle son, George Hege Hamilton V, also became a singer. He used the name Hege V because his father and the actor George Hamilton already used the name George Hamilton. Hege V sometimes toured with his father, playing guitar and singing. George Hamilton IV also had four grandchildren.
Honors
In 2010, George Hamilton IV was honored by being inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.
A bridge on Business 40 in Winston-Salem, his hometown, was named after him. The ceremony to name the bridge took place on July 19, 2016, which would have been his 79th birthday.
Discography
