Roy Hamilton was a soul singer who rose to fame in the 1950s with his powerful voice and unique style. He was known for his renditions of songs like “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “Unchained Melody”, which became hits on both the pop and R&B charts. He was also an influence on many other singers, including Elvis Presley, who admired his vocal technique and covered some of his songs. But Hamilton’s life and career were cut short by a tragic stroke that claimed his life at the age of 40. What caused his stroke and how did he die? Here are some facts about Roy Hamilton’s cause of death.
The Early Signs of Trouble
Hamilton had a history of high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for stroke. According to Wikipedia, he suffered a mild stroke in 1964, which affected his speech and mobility. He recovered after a few months of therapy, but his health was never the same. He also struggled with alcoholism and depression, which may have worsened his condition. He continued to perform and record, but his popularity declined as musical tastes changed in the 1960s.
The Fatal Stroke
In early July 1969, Hamilton suffered a massive cerebral hemorrhage at his home in New Rochelle, New York. According to Short-Fact, he was found unconscious by his wife, Myrna, who called for an ambulance. He was rushed to the hospital, where he remained in a coma for two weeks. He never regained consciousness and died on July 20, 1969. He was only 40 years old.
The Legacy He Left Behind
Hamilton’s death was a shock to his fans and peers, who mourned the loss of a talented and influential singer. According to Wikipedia, Elvis Presley sent Roy’s wife, Myrna, a rose every day Hamilton was in the hospital. When Hamilton passed away, Presley sent Myrna flowers for the following six months. Presley also recorded a tribute song for Hamilton, called “The Wonder of You”, which became a hit in 1970.
Hamilton’s music lives on through his recordings and covers by other artists. His songs have been featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials, and have been sampled by hip-hop and R&B artists. He has been inducted into several halls of fame, including the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2010. He is remembered as one of the pioneers of soul music and one of the greatest singers of all time.
