Dave Hamilton

Dave Hamilton was an American R&B and jazz musician, born on January 15, 1920, in Savannah, Georgia. He grew up in Detroit, where he became a pivotal figure in the city's vibrant music scene. Hamilton played guitar and vibraphone, and his career spanned multiple genres, including jazz and early R&B. He was an early member of the legendary "Funk Brothers," the session musicians behind many Motown hits. Hamilton contributed to iconic recordings like Jackie Wilson's "Reet Petite" and "Lonely Teardrops," and Marvin Gaye's "Stubborn Kind of Fellow." He also co-wrote songs such as "Once Upon a Time," a duet by Marvin Gaye and Mary Wells. In the 1960s, Hamilton released his own jazz album, *Blue Vibrations*, and later established his own record labels, including Tempo and Topper. His music experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 1980s among Northern soul fans, leading to the reissue of his work.

Hamilton's later years saw him continue to produce and release music, though he fell out of the mainstream spotlight. After his death in 1994, his archives were accessed by researcher Ady Croasdell, leading to the release of previously unreleased material, including the compilation *Detroit City Grooves Featuring "Soul Suite"*. This collection showcased his versatility as a musician and producer, highlighting his contributions to the soul and funk genres. Hamilton's legacy remains significant, especially within the vinyl culture and among fans of classic soul and jazz.

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