Though he is not as well remembered today, vocalist Roy Hamilton was an extremely popular and influential hitmaker during his short career in the 1950s.

Elvis Presley, Jackie Wilson, Brook Benton and the Righteous Brothers all drew from the stylings of the Leesburg, Ga.-born crooner, whose gospel background flavored his rich baritone. His was a Golden Gloves boxer before he was discovered singing in a New Jersey nightclub in 1953. His first single for Columbia Records, "You'll Never Walk Alone," reached #1 on the R&B chart and crossed over to the top 30 on the pop chart in 1954. 

Hamilton's popularity grew up with the subsequent hits, "If I Loved You," "Ebb Tide," "Hurt" and 1954's "Unchained Melody," followed later by "Don't Let Go" (1958) and "You Can Hae Her" (1961).He also appeared in the Columbia Pictures movie, Let's Rock.

Hamilton died in 1969 of a stroke at only 40 years old. His voice and legacy have earned numerous accolades, including induction in the Hit Parade Hall of Fame and Reflections in Black Museum Hall of Fame.