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Jim Hamill was the son of a minister, Dr. James Hamill. He sang with The Weatherford's, The Rebels, The Blue Ridge Quartet and The Oak Ridge Boys, but Jim gained legend status when he joined The Kingsmen in 1971. Jim's lead voice helped define the Kingsmen sound for years to come. Jim's emcee work was a work of art. He was possibly the greatest "stage man" there ever was, or ever will be.

His love for young people and young singers was another of "Big Jim's" qualities. He always showcased the men on stage with him, every night and when he saw talent and drive in young people in other groups, he encouraged them as well.

Just about every night The Kingsmen perform, someone comes up saying "Do you remember the night Hamill brought me up on stage to sing a song with you guys?" If it weren't for Jim, would we have heard of Anthony Burger, or Arthur Rice, or Tim Surrett? He also helped Eldridge Fox find songs like "The Gloryroad", "The Old Ship Of Zion" , "Shake Hands with the Poor Boy", "Excuses","Wish you were Here" and "Rise From The Grave".

Jim was inducted into the Southern Gospel Hall Of Fame in 2004. Yet, was inducted into the GMA Hall of Fame in 2000 with The Kingsmen and Oak Ridge Boys.

On a personal note, Jim was my hero growing up. My brother Jim and I memorized every Kingsmen live album word for word. If you listen, you will hear some Jim Hamill in my voice. When I joined the Kingsmen in 1996, I was hired to sing lead. I was not trying to replace Jim, because that was impossible. He rode the bus every week for the first 8 months,and rode on occasion till about 2001. He was hard on us. BUT he taught every man that worked with him to be a pro. Give the audience everything you have every night. Most of all let God do the directing.

Jim, we'll miss you. I can see Foxy and Anthony waiting for Big Jim to get a choir together.

I bet they are working on "The Old Ship of Zion".

Bryan Hutson
http://www.kingsmanquartet.com

Reader Comments

Thanks, Bryan, for a great tribute to Big Jim. There will never be another like him.

God is good all the time & all the time God is good. 

Elaine Harcourt

Bryan, this was a very touching tribute to a gospel quartet warrior whose life and work touched many.

With all due respect, though, I must say that Jim was already a legend in gospel music when he joined the Kingsmen. Eldridge Fox was well aware of what Jim could bring his group, and once he brought "Big Jim" in, the rest became gospel music history.

Jim Hamill was the right man who came at the right time for the Kingsmen.

Morning glory and evening grace,

Giving the world a smile each day,

john.sogospelnews.com

Big Jim was a favorite of mine.I loved the "TON OF FUN" days.Rest in peace Jim.
Skull

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