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anthony hamilton
R&B Singer Shares Thoughts On Love and Marriage
By Shari Myles
 When Anthony Hamilton broke onto the music scene in 2003 with his debut CD, Comin' From Where I'm From (Zomba), it was clear: the baton of old-fashioned soul music wrapped in a distinctive voice singing "real lyrics," had solidly been passed onto the Charolotte, North Carolina native. With the release of his 2005 CD, Ain't Nobody Worrying, and his haunting rendition of "Do You Feel Me," from the American Gangster soundtrack in 2007, Hamilton's place as a modern-day R&B crooner unafraid to uplift and entice was more than evident. His singles, "Charlene" (from his first CD) and "Can't Let Go" (from his sophmore CD) quickly garnered a loyal following, warming the hearts of listeners of all ages seeking music that soothes and uplifts. Since his debut, Hamilton, 37, has kept a rapier focus on delivering the type of sound—sans the drama—that audiences love: one part blues, two parts rhythm and a dash of funk. Married to vocalist Tarsha McMillian, for the past three years, Hamilton, who won his
first Grammy for collaborating with Al Green on the single "You've
Got the Love I Need," credits his marriage for inspiring a lighter, more uptempo sound on his latest CD release, The Point of It All. In the first single, "Cool," featuring rapper David Banner, Hamilton continues his musical message singing about the same thing that made listeners fall for him in the first place: unrequited love. Here, he sits down with Shari Myles to discuss love, marrying the right woman, and whether men and women can really just be friends.
AMBERmag.com: You're from Charlotte and you're still living there. What makes you want to stay so close to
home?
AH: I love being close to family. I’ve been away from home for such a long
time, because I’m still in grind mode right now so it’s great being here with
family.
AMBERmag.com: You've been compared to
classical R&B singers such as Bill Withers and Bobby Womack, but who would
you say are your greatest musical influences?
AH: I love Bill Withers, Al Green, Bobby Womack, Marvin Gaye.
AMBERmag.com: Critics and fans alike are buzzing about your
new CD The Point of It All. What do you want  audiences to get out of
this CD versus others?
AH: I want people to get that it’s OK to have a good time.
It’s okay to love somebody.
AMBERmag.com: What made you decide to
take an upbeat route as on this album as opposed to the slower, more
traditional sounding soul songs you've become so famous for?
AH: I didn’t want to
put myself in a box. I wanted fans to get to know another side of Anthony
because there’s more to me than just slow, sad songs. I’m a fun guy so I wanted
listeners to see that part of me. Regardless of if I’m in a bad relationship or
something, I can always find a way to have fun or smile or laugh.
AMBERmag.com: What does it feel like to win your first Grammy?
AH: I guess the seventh time is a charm. Being nominated with a
legend like Al Green was much more special than having a solo nomination. Winning with a legend is even better. I feel like I am soul-certified now.
This was a big win for me.
AMBERmag.com: In what ways have you grown personally and how is that reflected in your music?
AH: I think I know who I am and who I'm
supposed to be. Working on the album allowed me not to try to be anybody else.
I feel secure.
AMBERmag.com: Was it your intention to
put a twist on or add a new dimension to the soul music game?
AH: No, my intention
was to come in and make good
music everybody could listen to; to be successful and just have a good time
with it. People are saying 'Oh, you're changing lives' and all that, and I just just say 'Okay, I'll do it [laughs].'
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