Comments on: Forgotten Artists: George Hamilton IV

By: Scott Thoen

Scott Thoen — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:35:47 +0000

George put quite an effort into “Gasoline” and was a pleasure to write for, as was both his sons Peyton and George V (who also wrote the “My old car” verse in the song)
I’m only sorry it didn’t get George back in the charts one more time… but he’s not done yet folks :)

That “Some Guy” that wrote “Gasoline”

By: Leeann Ward

Leeann Ward — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:39:08 +0000

You know, this “Forgotten Artists” is such an awesome feature! I’m going to go try to download some of this stuff now.

By: PaulaW

PaulaW — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 01:25:18 +0000

Watching an episode of “Country’s Family Reunion” on RFD tv, and George is on it and telling stories about how he got started and about Chet Atkins’ decision to release Abilene as a single.

Good stuff.

By: Vicki

Vicki — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:24:19 +0000

I heard George on my first visit to the Opry. That was a magical visit for I got to truly hear how wonderful these “forgotten” singers really are. They may be up in years, but that voice is pure gold.

By: Drew

Drew — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 04:19:00 +0000

I’m not familiar with much of his stuff, but if his lyrics are consistently as strong as the ones you mentioned at the beginning, I’ll have to check him out.

By: Wilburscott

Wilburscott — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:09:28 +0000

I got to see George 3-4 years ago at a show here in northern Michigan. I think around the time he was in his late 60’s and still put on a great show, a true gentleman. His son was with him as well. It’s too bad he is largely forgotten today, most country fans I know haven’t heard of him.

By: northtexas

northtexas — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:28:22 +0000

By the way, I know the tune was released in 1963 but Armed Forces radio played a lot of ‘oldies but goodies’.

By: northtexas

northtexas — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:22:36 +0000

Back in ‘66/’67 while serving in Vietnam I remember hearing GH4 singing ‘Abilene’ on Armed Forces radio and reminding me how much I missed Texas and the good ole USA. Of course I assumed it was Abilene, TX not KS he was singing about.

By: Rick

Rick — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:56:43 +0000

Well George Hamilton IV isn’t forgotten by anyone who listens to the Grand Ole Opry on a regular basis these days. George, like Jim Ed Brown, still possesses a wonderful singing voice that is a pleasure to hear unlike some of the other “Opry Legend” regulars. Some guy back during the height of gas prices last summer mailed George the lyrics to a parody song titled “Gasoline” based on his 60’s hit “Abilene” and George sings it on the Opry literally every appearance nowadays.

The family tradition continues as most nights on the Opry George features his son George Hamilton V. Although quite good my favorite “Opry Legend” artist offspring is Jesse McReynolds’ grandaughter Amanda Lynne. That gal has a great voice for bluegrass harmony singing.