Roy Hamilton Jr.

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While there are several performers on today’s music scene, few carry the burden of following in the footsteps of one of music’s greatest vocalists. Roy Hamilton Jr., son of the legendary “Golden Boy of Song” Roy Hamilton, has committed himself to doing just that, and to preserving the legacy of his legendary father. And, blessed with the drive and ambition that is engrained within all stars, as well as the melodic, soaring tenor voice left to him by his father, Roy Hamilton Jr. fills those big shoes with ease. Born September 9, 1961 in New York City, it seems Roy was born to sing. In his early years, he began to do just that, performing with his father at various events, including for the Prime Minister of the Bahamas and his wife at the Nassau Beach Hotel, as early as seven years old. He also sang at various churches and other events, grooming himself for the life of a showman. After his father’s passing in 1969, Roy continued to show off his extraordinary abilities, his love of for the stage undiminished. In 1976 Roy, along with his brother Ray and his mother Myrna, recorded a tribute album to his great father, entitled The Hamilton Affair-for Roy. The group performed at various radio-sponsored events in Miami, New York and the Bahamas to promote the album, including a “Thank you Miami” concert at the Carver Theater in Miami, Florida. In 1978, Roy found his second great love, Maria Wilson, and the two were married a year later. The marriage produced 3 beautiful children, Roy III, Thomas, and Raphael Hamilton, and has been going strong ever since. It was during this time that Roy put his larger musical aspirations briefly on hold, in order to raise his new family. But his passion for singing never diminished, and he continued to use his gifts to serve the Lord, performing at various churches and church-sponsored events. In 1993, after raising his sons, Roy decided to heed music’s call once again, this time with a new purpose: To ensure that his father’s legacy was not forgotten. After a few warm-up shows in Atlantic City, he began performing again, this time with his wife Maria by his side as his manager. By 1997, his reputation within Atlantic City was fairly established. He had been a staple at several clubs and casinos, such as The Claridge, Trump Castle, Resorts, The Wonder Gardens, The Blue Light, and Viva’s Lounge. He also became a mainstay at Atlantic City’s various events, including The Black History Museum’s Annual Program, the annual Kwanzaa Festival (which also starred Roy Ayers), and even had a role in the musical “Rise II” at the Showboat Casino. In 1998, Roy took his show on the road, moving to legendary Motown with his newly formed band, The Golden Boys. The band performed at various venues all over the state, including various restaurants such as Fish Bones, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, and the Historic Fox and Hounds, where he performed regularly for nine months. During this time he also hosted, along with his wife Maria, a tribute to his legendary father entitled Roy Hamilton Remembered: The Hour of the Golden Boy on WPON 1460 AM in Bloomfield Hills. Roy also performed at several of WPON’s yearly events, such as the Gratiot Cruise and The Woodward Car Cruise, both held on Detroit’s State Fair Grounds. Between 2000 and 2004, Roy took his show back to Atlantic City, performing regularly at various clubs such as Club Alfonso’s with the Golden Boys and the Ozone in the Renaissance Hotel alongside Tony Day. He was also featured at several more events such as the Garden Basin Festival and the Boardwalk Jazz Series, and also hosted a Roy Hamilton Father’s Day Tribute at the Kennedy Plaza. In 2005, Roy hit the road again, this time taking his show to Las Vegas. He performed at several casinos, such as the Montelago, the Stratosphere, and the Sahara. During this time, he and his band could be seen regularly at the Bootleger Bistro, and he made several guest appearances on the Dennis Bono Radio Show at Sam’s Town Casino. In addition, he found himself in good company. He was featured, along with the offspring of other legendary musicians such as Freddie Eckstine and Lena Prima, at “The Next Generation” an event hosted by The Cast at the Italian American Club. In 2006, Roy headed to the studio, committed to recording an album of his original material. Roy Hamilton Jr. is ready to take off once again on his storied quest to ensure that his father’s legacy is never forgotten. But in 2007, Roy is going to make sure that you don’t forget him, either.Roy Hamilton Jr. and his wife Maria have established a tribute site dedicated to the legendary Roy Hamilton. For more information on Roy Hamilton, please visit the site at http://www.royhamilton.net.