Rosie Hamlin, the lead singer of Rosie and the Originals, who recorded the early ’60s one-hit wonder classic “Angel Baby,” died on March 30, 2017, at age 71. The cause and place of death were not reported, although her website notes that Hamlin was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in her 50s. [according to Best Classic Bands]
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A Brief Biography of Rosie Hamlin
Rosalie “Rosie” Hamlin was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon, on July 21, 1945, to a Mexican mother and an Anglo-American father. She spent part of her childhood between Anchorage, Alaska and California, before her family moved to National City, California. She came from a musical family; her father and grandfather were both musicians who had backgrounds in vaudeville. [according to Wikipedia]
Hamlin began singing with a band at 13. She wrote the lyrics for “Angel Baby” as a poem for her very first boyfriend when she was 14 years old, still attending Mission Bay High School in San Diego, California. At age 15, Hamlin and some friends rented the only recording studio they could find within 100 miles of San Diego located in San Marcos, California, to record the song. The studio was owned by an airplane mechanic who had taken part of his hangar to make it. [according to Rosie’s Personal Blog]
The song received positive reactions from teenage listeners, and a scout from Highland Records offered the group a recording contract, under the condition that the company take possession of the master recording, and that David Ponce be named as the author of the song, as he was the eldest member of the group. “Angel Baby,” which featured Hamlin’s noted soprano vocals, made its radio debut in November 1960, before the group had even received their contract; the track was also played on K-Day Radio from disc jockey Alan Freed. [according to Wikipedia]
The song became a Top 40 hit in 1961 when Hamlin was only 15 years old. It reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the R&B chart. It was one of John Lennon’s favorite songs, who later covered it for his Rock ‘n’ Roll album. The song was also covered by artists like Linda Ronstadt, Roky Erickson and System of a Down. [according to Rolling Stone]
Hamlin married guitarist Noah Tafolla and they had two children (Joseph and Deborah) before they divorced. Hamlin had a third child (John) several years later. She continued to perform at several revival concerts until 2002, before retiring from live performances due to advanced fibromyalgia. She was the first Latina to be honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as well as the first Latina to appear on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand in 1961. [according to Wikipedia]
The Mystery of Rosie Hamlin’s Death
Despite her fame and influence in the music industry, Rosie Hamlin’s death was not widely reported or publicized. Her daughter confirmed her mother’s death on the group’s official website on April 1, 2017, adding that Hamlin died in her sleep. She did not mention the cause or place of death, nor did she provide any details about funeral arrangements or memorial services. [according to Billboard]
Hamlin’s website also stated that she had suffered from fibromyalgia for years, a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and fatigue. Fibromyalgia is not considered a life-threatening disease, but it can affect the quality of life and mental health of those who have it. Some possible complications of fibromyalgia include depression, anxiety, insomnia and increased sensitivity to pain. [according to Mayo Clinic]
It is unclear whether fibromyalgia played a role in Hamlin’s death or if she had any other underlying health issues that contributed to her passing. Her fans and admirers were left wondering what happened to the singer who touched their hearts with her angelic voice and timeless song.
The Legacy of Rosie Hamlin and ‘Angel Baby’
Rosie Hamlin may have been a one-hit wonder, but her song “Angel Baby” has endured as a classic of doo-wop and R&B music. The song has been featured in movies like La Bamba, Mermaids and Ghost World, as well as TV shows like The Wonder Years and American Dreams. The song has also been sampled by hip-hop artists like Tupac Shakur and Mac Miller.
Hamlin’s song captured the innocence and romance of teenage love in a simple but heartfelt way. It resonated with listeners across generations and cultures, who could relate to the emotions expressed in the lyrics. The song also showcased Hamlin’s unique vocal style, which blended sweetness and soulfulness.
Hamlin was an inspiration for many young singers, especially Latinas, who saw her as a trailblazer and a role model. She proved that a girl from a humble background could achieve success and recognition in the music industry, despite the challenges and obstacles she faced. She also demonstrated that a song written from personal experience could touch millions of people around the world.
Rosie Hamlin may be gone, but her song “Angel Baby” lives on as a testament to her talent and spirit. She will always be remembered as the angel baby of doo-wop and R&B music.
