Sunday Morning Country Classic Spotlight to Feature George Hamilton IV

George Hamilton the IV was born July 19, 1937.  He started his career as a teen idol with the pop hit, "A Rose and a Baby Ruth."  He later switched to Country music.

He broadened country music's appeal with his recordings of American and Canadian folk music.  In 1959 Hamilton toured with Buddy Holly and the Everly Brothers and made national TV appearances.  He had his own ABC TV show.  He moved to Nashville and began recording country music for RCA in 1960.

In 1961 he joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry.  The song "Abilene" was a number one country and pop hit in 1963.  In the mid 1960's he met singer and songwriter Gordon Lightfoot and was introduced into the Canadian folk music scene, recording Lightfoot's "Early Morning Rain" a top ten hit in 1966.

Since the mid-1970's, Hamilton has recorded a number of Folk, country and gospel  albums including two with his son, George Hamilton V.  Hamilton is still a regular at the Grand Ole Opry and in country shows throughout the great USA and the UK.  George Hamilton has been active in the music business since 1956.

Sunday October 21st, I will play the music of George Hamilton the IV, on the Sunday Morning Country Classic Spotlight at 11 a.m.  It's a segment of the 98 Country Country Classic Show every Sunday 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. 98.1 FM 98 Country.