This is a special announcement from some “forum friends” at the Singing News forums.

It was suggested that we start a separate thread dedicated to news about the Big Jim Hamill Memorial Concert scheduled for Friday, January 25, 2008 at The Open Bible Tabernacle in Marietta, GA. So, for those who aren’t familiar with what’s going on, here’s the scoop.

The day before our beloved friend, Hamill passed away, it was brought to my attention that he and his family were having financial difficulties, and that “someone” needed to do something. I felt led to organize a benefit concert. In a very short time, I had the backing of several top groups, and a few friends who have always been inspired by Hamill. When I got the news of Hamill’s passing, I decided that we could still help the family, but that we’d call it a “Memorial” concert.

Although several groups agreed to participate, if we could get a venue and settle on a common date, I must now confirm the date with them, now that a date and venue have been secured.

This would be a great blessing to the Hamill family. It would be an honor if you could attend and/or help out with this event. For any questions, go to the Singing News forums and look for the thread with the same title as this post.

Thank you and God bless.

From the Singing News Website:

Singing News has learned that legendary Kingsmen lead
vocalist Jim Hamill passed away at approximately 5:30 a.m.
today. He was 73 years old.

Mr. Hamill was born August 10, 1934, in Big Stone Gap,
Virginia. In addition to singing with the Kingsmen, he
performed with the Weatherfords, Blue Ridge Quartet, the
Rebels Quartet, the Oak Ridge Quartet and the Senators.
Subscribers of Singing News Magazine had voted Mr. Hamill
“Favorite Lead Singer” five times, as well “Mr. Gospel
Music” twice during the magazine’s Fan Awards.

Though he was often regarded as one of the best frontmen in
Southern Gospel music, his singing ability was also ranked
among the best. Many Southern Gospel fans will long remember
his performances of “Love Lifted Me” and “The Apple Tree
Song” among many others.

Mr. Hamill’s legacy also includes his efforts to continually
put the younger members of the groups he sang with into the
spotlight. Though he was confident in his own stage
abilities, Mr. Hamill thought it was more important to
encourgage the young performers and give them the
opportunity to showcase their talents.

Funeral arrangements are pending at this time.

Visit www.singingnews.com for updates as they are made
available.

This does come as sort of a shock to me. From the forum discussions I’ve been in, I was under the impression that he was improving nicely…

Another legend has passed on. He will be greatly missed.

My respects to the Hamill family at this time.

It may not be long before we lose another hero.

Jim Hamill, MC for The Kingsmen in their glory days, is currently bedridden in a nursing home. He has fallen 100 pounds, and it doesn’t look good for the Master MC. Please keep him in your prayers.