Continuing the gone far too soon theme, we come to Rodothas (Roy) Hamilton.
With a golden, classical style voice resembling deep, dark molasses, Roy was Epic Records' no.1 star in the mid to late 50s. "You'll Never Walk Alone" and this wonderful version of "Unchained Melody" were their first ever US R&B chart toppers in 1954 and 55.
His version of Unchained Melody was a hit long before the accepted definitive version by the Righteous Brothers in 1965 while the song is one of the most recorded and performed songs of all time.
Roy died aged 40 in July 1969 from a cerebral hemorrhage after being in a coma for more than a week. Elvis Presley sent Roy's wife, Myrna, a rose every day Hamilton was in hospital and upon his passing he sent Myrna flowers for the following six months.
Roy was in severe debt at his death and the "King", who considered Roy to be one of his greatest influences, even settled outstanding funeral costs and medical bills.
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