"The story of Roy Hamilton's rise from unknown singer to one of the most promising stars on the horizon is brief but heartening. With his first record, he created such a stir that fan clubs immediately developed, and subsequent releases moved him farther along in the artistic hierarchy, until this 'new artist with the big voice' suddenly became one of the most sought-after singers around. The remarkable quality of his sound, and the sincerity with which he invests his songs, these are extraordinary even among the many other fine singers of the day, and when, as in this collection, he focuses his attention on songs of more than average melodic and lyric content, the result is rewarding and exciting.

"Roy Hamilton's initial success came with his recording of the title song of this collection. You'll Never Walk Alone, from 'Carousel.' This inspiring number, created by Rodgers and Hammerstein on a note of faith and hope, has too often been performed in a soggy and lugubrious fashion, quite out of keeping with its original intent. The new singer, however, brought to it his own special approach, and renewed the force and strength of the song, and gave it a new popularity. Similarly, another song from the production, If I Loved You, proved equally adaptable to his splendid interpretation, and again Roy Hamilton brought the flush of new popularity to a song already established as a standard melody. Most recently, he has performed the same service for Ebb Tide, which was initially popular as an instrumental number. Almost a year later, Roy Hamilton recorded his interpretation, and sent the song soaring back into the hit charts.

"Born in 1929, in Leesburg, Virginia, Roy Hamilton began singing in church choirs when he was six. His family moved to Jersey City, N.J., when he was fourteen, where young Roy studied commercial art in high school. So seriously did he apply himself that some of his works are still to be seen in new Jersey galleries. During this period he also took up boxing for a short period, acquiring a fine amateur record of six wins and one loss, which he later avenged in a return match. But he never gave up singing, and was heard as soloist with the Central Baptist Church on many occasions. Branching out with light operatic selections, he occasionally landed engagements as a popular singer, and during one of these, in a small Jersey night club, he was heard by disc jockey Bill Cook, who brought him to the attention of the head of Epic Records. He was signed at once and given, as his first number, You'll Never Walk Alone, which has since become almost a signature with him.

"Other songs in this collection represent the same affirmation of faith that is so vividly present in his singing; I Believe, for example, one of the most popular songs of recent years, is a ringing declaration of hope, and The House I Live In is another statement of inspiring depth. To show his versatility, contrasting songs are also included, and in these Roy Hamilton demonstrates a command of the popular idiom as convincing as his more dramatic vein. Here is one of America's newest stars, in a collection of powerful interpretations that mark him clearly as an impressive addition to the ranks of our finest singers."

Epic Records