Anthony Hamilton's Award Winning Voice
Soul Music Loaded With Rhythm and Blues
Born on January 28, 1971 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Anthony Hamilton got his start by taking a route familiar to many rhythm and blues singers. He was a young boy singing in church when he realized that he had a musical talent. Several years would pass before Hamilton started to use his talent to launch a professional career in the entertainment business.
Early Recordings by Soul Singer Anthony Hamilton
October 1996 Anthony Hamilton released his first solo album titled XTC under MCA. Many of the songs on the album like “I Wanna Be With You,” “Special Kinda Love” and “Nobody Else” are in keeping with the rhythm and blues singer’s odes about the love, intimacy and romance shared between couples.
Although XTC displayed some of Hamilton’s talent and range, it didn’t grab the attention of the mainstream listening public the way future albums recorded by the soul singer would. Four years after the album’s release, Anthony went on the road and toured with neo soul singer, D’Angelo, in 2000.
Life on the Road for a Rhythm and Blues Talent
D’Angelo was promoting his new album Voodoo at the time. No doubt the experience provided Anthony Hamilton valuable lessons in the art of touring as a professional singer. Other artists that Hamilton has sang back up for or collaborated with include the rapper Tupac, Nappy Roots and Eve.
It is not hard to imagine that working with heavyweights like Tupac, Eve, Nappy Roots and D’Angelo helped Anthony Hamilton to gain insights into the business that might have otherwise taken him years to gain. Despite the lackluster response to his first solo album, the artist continued to believe in his talent and push toward a stellar career.
Success and Soul Singer Anthony Hamilton Meet Up
In 2003 the Hamilton released his second solo album. Titled Comin’ From Where I’m From, the album received critical acclaim from music industry leaders as well as the general public. Anthony Hamilton was no longer a struggling rhythm and blues singer trying to earn a living doing what he loves. He had come a long way from being a barber to earning high respect in the entertainment business.
Two years later in 2005, Anthony Hamilton released his third solo album Ain’t Nobody Worryin’. He had also begun to work with major motion picture executives to create soundtracks for popular movies like BarberShop2 and American Gangster. At this point in his career, the soul singer was also beginning to take home his share of entertainment awards.
Music Awards and Nominations
In 2004 Anthony Hamilton took home two Vibe Music Awards. He won his first Grammy Award in 2009 for his collaboration on “You’ve Got the Love I Need,” a song he sang with rhythm and blues legend, Al Green.
Since the start of his career, Hamilton has been nominated for numerous music awards including BET’s Best Male R&B Award, an Image Best Song Award for “Charlene” and four Soul Train Favorite Male R&B Award nominations for his work on “Charlene,” “Soullife” and “Comin’ From Where I’m From.”
Today the singer makes his home in Harlem, New York. Yet, it is clear from his music that Anthony Hamilton has not forgotten his Southern roots. His rich voice and his appreciation for deep abiding love won’t allow for it.
As noted on his official website, the singer also contributes to local and national charitable organizations. He started his TASTE Foundation (Take a Step to Elevate) to further assist with positive community outreach efforts.
Sources:
Anthony Hamilton Official Website. 6 September 2009.
Soul Singer Anthony Hamilton
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