Johnny Thunder (singer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Johnny Thunder
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Thunder in 1962
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Gil Hamilton |
| Born | August 15, 1931 Leesburg, Florida, U.S. |
| Died | September 6, 2024 (aged 93) Winter Park, Florida, U.S. |
| Genres | Rhythm and blues, pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 1950s–2024 |
| Labels | Diamond, Capitol, Vee Jay, Calla, Stateside |
| Associated acts | Ruby Winters, Ronnie Dove |
Gilbert Leroy Hamilton (born August 15, 1931 – died September 6, 2024) was an American singer. He was famous for his R&B and pop music. Most people knew him by his stage name, Johnny Thunder. His biggest hit song was "Loop de Loop" in 1963.
About Johnny Thunder
Early Life and Music
Leroy Hamilton was born in Leesburg, Florida, on August 15, 1931. He started singing in church and on street corners as a teenager. In 1951, he went to Florida A&M (FAMU) in Tallahassee. He began using the name Gil because he thought it sounded more professional.
To start his singing career, he moved to New York City in the late 1950s. He joined a touring group of The Drifters for a few months. He also sang in a show at the famous Apollo Theater. Gil Hamilton also sang backup for other artists, like Dionne Warwick. He released several songs under his name, Gil Hamilton.
One of his songs, "Tell Her," came out in 1962. It was the first version of "Tell Him." This song later became a big hit for The Exciters. Another song, "Move & Groove," was also an original version. It became a hit in Australia for Johnny O'Keefe.
His Big Hit Song
In 1963, Gil Hamilton met a songwriter and producer named Teddy Vann. Vann convinced him to record a fun version of a children's song. The song was "Loop de Loop," also known as "Looby Lou." Vann also suggested he use the name "Johnny Thunder."
To appeal to teenagers, Vann advised him to say he was born in 1941. This was ten years later than his actual birth year. The song came out on the Diamond label. It quickly became a huge hit! "Loop de Loop" reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1963.
After this success, Johnny Thunder released an album called Loop De Loop. He also put out more songs. "Everybody Do The Sloopy" was his next most popular song. It reached number 67 on the charts in 1965.
Later Music and Legacy
In 1969, Johnny Thunder released a rock song called "I'm Alive." This song was originally written by Tommy James. Tommy James later recorded his own version with his band, Tommy James and the Shondells.
Famous musician Bob Dylan heard Johnny Thunder's "I'm Alive" on the radio. He told Rolling Stone magazine that it was one of the most powerful songs he had ever heard.
Years later, "I'm Alive" was used in a Samsung advertisement for the Galaxy S6 Edge phone in 2015. It was also featured in the movie American Animals in 2018.
Johnny Thunder passed away in Winter Park, Florida, on September 6, 2024. He was 93 years old.
See also
- List of 1960s one-hit wonders in the United States
