Judd Hamilton
Birth nameJudd Douglas Hamilton
BornRepublic, Washington
GenresSurf, Rock, Country
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar
Years active1960s - Present
LabelsDolton
Liberty
American International
United Artists
RCA Victor
Formerly ofJudd Hamilton & the Furys, The Marketts, The T-Bones, Hamilton & Munro, Judd and Miss Munro, The Hamilton Brothers

Judd Douglas Hamilton is an American musician, former band leader, writer, film producer, and actor. He recorded for the Dolton, Liberty, American International, United Artists and RCA Victor labels. He contributed to the music of California, and to surf music from his involvement with the T-Bones and 1960s surf groups, the Avantis and the Ventures. During the 1960s, he was part of the groups Judd Hamilton & the Furys, The Marketts and The T-Bones. As a film and television producer, he was the executive producer and co-screenwriter for the films Maniac and The Last Horror Film, and the executive producer for The 7th Annual Sci-Fi Awards, a 90-minute TV special. His brother was Dan Hamilton. He was married to English actress Caroline Munro for some years.

Judd and Dan were members of The Marketts.[1][2]

Background

Judd Douglas Hamilton was still attending college when he was in The Furys. He wrote a song which when released put the group's name in the KMEL Top 10.[3] From meeting people and progressing through the musical inroads, he was responsible for the classic surf record, "Wax 'em Down".[4][5] Both Judd and brother Dan were members of The T-Bones.[6] He was responsible for putting together the touring version of the group, which also recorded as The T-Bones.[7][8][9] The January 22, 1966 issue of Cash Box listed the T-Bones' line up as 23 year old Judd Hamilton on rhythm guitar, his 21 year old brother Danny on lead guitar, 24 year old drummer Gene Pello, 23 year old bass guitarist George Dee, and 23 year old organist and saxophonist Richard Torres. They had also just completed an LP.[10] Both Judd and Dan were also members of The Marketts.[11][12]

Hamilton also acted in film as well as writing and producing. He produced the classic horror slasher Maniac which starred Joe Spinnel.[13][14]

Hamilton was possibly mistakenly credited with being a member of The Chambers Brothers. The source was an article in the March 28, 1970 issue of Record World. Apparently, Hamilton was at a party for an American International Records signing and there was confusion about the Chambers Brothers signing to the label or, and Hamilton being a member of the group. The next issue (April 4) clarified that The Chambers Brothers were not with American International and were with Columbia Records. It also stated that Hamilton was not a member of The Chambers Brothers.[15][16]

Between 1975 and 1977, at least four singles were released with his wife Caroline Munro, including "You Got It" which had a run of popularity on the radio. They were the first act to have a UK release on the new Aquarius label.[17][18][19] Some singles were billed as made by Judd and Miss Munro. The couple divorced in 1982.[20]

In 2008, Judd and Dan Hamilton were the cover subject as well as main article in the surf music magazine, Pipeline #77, the story of JUDD & DANNY HAMILTON.[21]

Music career

1960s

In 1960, Hamilton was a freshman at Wenatchee Valley College. He entered a talent show with a song he wrote. He was approached by KMEL DJ Don Bernier, who was in the audience that night. Bernier proposed that Hamilton should record with a band called The Furys. A few weeks later, Bernier drove the band over to a Spokane radio station, recording a few tracks.[22] The resulting single was "I’m Not Around Anymore" backed by "Little Lost Angel", released on Julian J-101.[23][24] In 1961, the single was reported in Billboard Music Week as having some sales potential.[25] It went into the KMEL Top 10.[22]

Hamilton & the Furys appeared at Wenatchee's Roller Rink as the opening act for the Ventures and Bobby Vee. Guitarist Bob Bogle invited Hamilton to look him up if he was ever in Hollywood.[23] Hamilton left college in 1961 and headed to Hollywood where he was invited to work as a roadie for the Ventures.[26] Within the year, Bogle decided to record a single with Hamilton, "On A Night Like This" backed with "'Til I Found You", under the name of Shane. It was arranged by Hank Levine, and advertised in Billboard.[27][28]

In 1963, he recorded the Johnny Mercer song "Dream", backed by the Ventures, along with an original composition, "Your Only Boy", releasing on Dolton. It was given a four star rating: it had potential to be stocked.[29][30][31] It was given a B+ rating by Cash Box, with the reviewer mentioning a similarity with The Marcels' song "Blue Moon".[32]

In 1965, "No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach's In)" by the T-Bones was climbing the charts. The musicians that played on the recording were session musicians, the Wrecking Crew. Liberty Records wanted to promote the song, while the Wrecking Crew were on the road. Hamilton was approached by Joe Saraceno, a producer for Liberty in November. He got the job of putting together a band to play live as the T-Bones. Hamilton became the rhythm guitarist for the group and made his brother Dan be the lead-guitarist. He got George Dee to be the bass player, Gene Pello on drums and Richard Torres as keyboard and sax player. Dan Hamilton and Richard Torres left the band and were replaced by Tommy Reynolds, Joe Frank Carollo and Jay Allen. A touring version of the T-Bones was formed.[33] When the group arrived back in Los Angeles, they were invited to play a benefit event at the Aquarius Theater. The T-Bones recorded Everyone's Gone to the Moon, the last studio album credited to the T-Bones. The photo of this line up is on the back of the album.

In 1966, according to Cash Box, T-Bones' line up was 23 year old Judd Hamilton on rhythm guitar, his 21 year old brother "Danny" on lead guitar, 24 year old drummer Gene Pello, 23 year old bass guitarist George Dee, and 23 year old organist and saxophonist Richard Torres. They completed an LP.[34]

1970s to 1980s

By June 1970, Hamilton had completed his part in the Paramount Pictures film A Talent for Loving, while his next solo single, a Johnny Cymbal composition, "Rules" and "Someday Morning", was released on American International Records.[35][36] He was one of the first acts that signed to the label.[37] That year, he had the single, Sunshine Man" bw "Baltimore" released on American International Records A-163. The record was made up of swamp pop. Record World gave it four stars.[38]

In 1971, he had a single released on the United Artists label, "Mixed-Up Guy". It was a Mirror Pick by Record Mirror. Even though the reviewer noted Hamilton's good singing, the record was noted more for performance than sales.[39] Other singles released were "Rose by Any Other Name" and "Don't Be Afraid of the World", and on the following year "Long Road" and "C'Est La Vie".[28]

Judd and Dan Hamilton were the cover subject as well as main article in the surf music magazine, Pipeline #77, the story of JUDD & DANNY HAMILTON.[40]

Hamilton and Caroline Munro's single "You Got It", Released on Aquarius AQ 3, was talked about in Kevin Allen's Soul Gossip column in April 10 issue of Record Mirror. With the segment beginning with "blue - eyed soul strikes again!", Allen drew comparisons with the recent hits Hamilton, Joe Frank and Reynolds, and R&J Stone, while James Hamilton in his Disco Page made a Sonny & Cher reference. The record was a UK radio hit in 1976.[41][42]

Production, composer, A&R

In 1964, along with former Dolton Records label mate Bill Shaw, Hamilton worked for Regency Records as an A&R man.[43][44] One of the acts he recorded was Danny and the Memories which was headed by a pre-Crazy Horse Danny Whitten. He also had Pat and Lolly Vegas, his brother Dan, Leon Russell, Dave Gates and Gary Leeds to record as the Avantis, producing "Gypsy Surfer" and "Wax 'em Down".[45][46] Backed with "Gypsy Surfer", it was released on Chancellor C-1144 and became a local hit. It was also picked by the Astra label and bootlegged.[45][47]

After recording the final T-Bones album, Dan Hamilton rejoined the group for a Japan tour with the lineup once again, including the Hamilton Bros., along with Joe Frank Carollo and Tommy Reynolds. After the Japanese tour, the T-Bones disbanded. Dan, Joe Frank and Tommy got back together in 1970 as Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds. Judd lived in London and helped from behind the scenes. The band signed a record deal with ABC Dunhill. Their first single, "Don't Pull Your Love Out", became a million selling gold record, reaching No. 1 on Cashbox and No. 3 on the Billboard charts in 1971. Reynolds left the group in 1972. Alan Dennison joined, on keyboards. They eventually signed with Playboy Records and made their first single, "Fallin' in Love", became their next gold record hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Charts in 1975.[48]

In 1990, after spending twenty years in Europe, Hamilton returned to Spokane. He started his own small recording studio and was looking forward to working on a project with his brother Dan as the Hamilton Brothers. Dan Hamilton died just before Christmas in 1994 and thus the project never eventuated. In 1995, an interview with Judd Hamilton in the Spokesman-Review, there was a strong indication that Hamilton was going to produce a greatest hits CD on a Spokane label.[49]

Film work

Hamilton had a co-starring role in the Richard Quine 1969 Western, A Talent for Loving.[50] He played the part of Jim, one of Major Patten's adopted sons. It was allegedly on the set that Hamilton met Caroline Munro who was to become his wife.[51] In 1978 he co-starred in the sci-fi film Starcrash alongside Caroline Munro, Christopher Plummer, David Hasselhoff, Marjoe Gortner, Joe Spinell. Along with Joe Spinell, he was the executive producer for the 1980 horror film Maniac which starred Spinell and Caroline Munro.[52]

In 1980, he played a major role in the television special, 1980 Sci-Fi Awards, where he was an executive producer and writer. The event was hosted by Caroline Munro and Mark Hamill. During a rehearsal, Caroline Munro was overcome by a fever and nearly fell from the stage.[53][54][55]

In 1981 he co-wrote the screenplay, executively produced and co-starred in his last film The Last Horror Film, which starred Caroline Munro and Joe Spinell.[56][57]

Discography

Judd Hamilton singles
Act Title Cat Year Loc Notes #
Judd Hamilton and the Furys "I’m Not Around Anymore" / "Little Lost Angel" Julian Records J-101 1961 US [22]
Shane "On a Night Like This" / "'Til I Found You" Unity CP-2112 1962 US [58][28]
Judd Hamilton "Dream" / "Your Only Boy" Dolton Records No. 80 1963 US [59]
Judd Hamilton "Flight 103" / "Initials on a Tree" Regency 111 1964 US [60][61]
Judd Hamilton "Rules" / "Sunday Morning" American International A-151 1970 US
Judd Hamilton "Sunshine Man" / "Baltimore" American International A-163 1970 US [36]
Judd Hamilton "We Love You Mr Pompidou" / "We Love You Mr Pompidou" (instr) AMI Records 86031 C 1971 (France) [62][63]
Judd Hamilton "Mixed-Up Guy" / "Whatever Happened to July" United Artists UP 35247 1971 UK
Judd Hamilton "Rose by Any Other Name" / "Don't Be Afraid of the World" United Artists UP 35311 1971 UK
Judd Hamilton "Long Road" / "C'Est La Vie" United Artists UP 35367 1972 UK [28]
Judd Hamilton "Bonne chance, si tu l’aimes" / "Something happens" Philips 1973 France [64]
Hamilton & Munro "Come Softly to Me" / "Sad Old Song" King Kong Records 52001 1979 France [65][66]
Judd And Miss Munro "You Got It" / "Where Does Love Begin" Aquarius AQ 3 1976 UK
Judd And Miss Munro "Rhythm of the Rain" / "Sound of the Sun" RCA Victor RCA 2753 1976 UK
Judd Hamilton And Caroline Munro "Love Songs" / "Sound of the Sun" RCA Victor PB 5021 1977 UK [28]
Arrangement, production, etc.
Act Title Cat Year Role Notes #
The Avantis "Wax 'Em Down" / " Gypsy Surfer" Chancellor 1144 1963 Arranger for both sides [67]
The Avantis "Surfin' Granny" / "Do the Surfin' Granny" Regency RP 107 1964 Co writer for side 1
Arranger for both sides		 [68]
The Avantis "Phantom Surfer" / "Lucille" Regency 110 1964 Co-writer side 1
Arranger both sides		 [69]
The T-Bones "Fare Thee Well" / "Let's Go Get Stoned" Liberty 55906 1966 Co-writer side 1 [70]
Spheres Festivals and Suns Spheres SP 001 1978 Co-writer on "Savitri" [71][72][73]
Jay Chattaway Bande Originale Du Film "Maniac" Milan A 120 151 1982 Executive producer [74]

Filmography

Film
Film Actor role Crew role Director Year Notes #
A Talent for Loving Jim Richard Quine 1969 [75]
Starcrash Elle Luigi Cozzi 1978 [76]
Racquet Performer David Winters 1979
Maniac Executive producer William Lustig 1980 [77]
The Last Horror Film Alan Cunningham Producer
Writer		 David Winters 1982 [78]
FantastiCozzi Elle Felipe M. Guerra 2016 A documentary[79][80]
TV shows and specials
Title Episode Role Crew role Director Year Notes #
Where the Action Is Episode #2.99 Himself
Member of the T-Bones		 1966 aired 28 January 1966
Beat! Beat! Beat! Hullabaloo - 31.01.1966 Himself
Member of the T-Bones		 1966 aired 9 December 1966
Dick Clark's American Bandstand Episode #9.25 Himself
Member of the T-Bones		 1966 aired 26 February 1966
Cadet Rousselle Episode dated 7 June 1973 Himself 1973 (Talk show)
aired 7 June 1973[81]
The 1980 Sci-Fi Awards Writer
Exec producer		 Myrl A. Schreibman 1980 TV special[53]
23 November 1980[54][55]

Further reading

  • Superstar in a Masquerade, by William Sargent · 2021, ISBN 9781646288960 - Judd Hamilton
  • The Spokesman-Review, Thu., Jan. 5, 1995 - Music Still Keeps Late Rock Star’s Memory Alive by Doug Clark
  • New Age Universe - Judd Hamilton
  • Sonic Hits - Judd Hamilton
  • Julian Records - Judd Hamilton & the Furys
  • Pipeline #77, Summer, 2008 - The Avantis – The T-Bones – The Ventures – all part of the Judd & Danny Hamilton Story (no direct link to article)

References

  1. ↑ Song Hits Magazine, May 1966 - Page 20 T-BONES are in good shape, JUDD HAMILTON
  2. ↑ KRLA Beat, Volume 1 No. 48 February 12, 1966 - Page 15 From Commercials T-Bones to Success
  3. ↑ Julian Records - Judd Hamilton & the Furys
  4. ↑ Storm Surge of Reverb, 11/22/2014 - The Avantis - Gypsy Surfer / Wax 'Em Down 7"
  5. ↑ Superstar in a Masquerade, by William Sargent · 2021, ISBN 9781646288960 - Judd Hamilton
  6. ↑ The Illustrated Discography of Hot Rod Music, 1961-1965 By John Blair, Stephen J. McParland,. 1990 - ISBN 9781560750024 - Page 45
  7. ↑ The Music of Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds, By Robert Reynolds - Page 16
  8. ↑ Songfacts - Album: No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach's In) Released: 1966
  9. ↑ The Illustrated Discography of Hot Rod Music, 1961-1965 By John Blair, Stephen J. McParland,. 1990 - ISBN 9781560750024 - Page 45
  10. ↑ Cash Box, January 22, 1966 - Page 22 BIOS FOR DJS, T-Bones
  11. ↑ Song Hits Magazine, May 1966 - Page 20 T-BONES are in good shape, JUDD HAMILTON
  12. ↑ KRLA Beat, Volume 1 No. 48 February 12, 1966 - Page 15 From Commercials T-Bones to Success
  13. ↑ Turner Classic Movies - JUDD HAMILTON, FILMOGRAPHY
  14. ↑ Hysteria Lives - MANIAC (1980)
  15. ↑ Record World, March 28, 1970 - Page 36 Chambers Diversify
  16. ↑ Record World, April 4, 1970 - Page 36 Chambers on Col
  17. ↑ Record Mirror, April 10, 1976 - Page 10 soul stirrings by Kevin Allen
  18. ↑ 'Record Mirror, April 10, 1976 - Page 25 james hamilton's DISCO PAGE
  19. ↑ Music Week, April 24, 1976 - Page 2 news, MUSIC DEALS
  20. ↑ The Music of Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds, By Robert Reynolds - Page 50
  21. ↑ Pipleline #77 Summer, 2008 - The Avantis – The T-Bones – The Ventures – all part of the Judd & Danny Hamilton Story
  22. 1 2 3 Julian Records Website - Judd Hamilton & the Furys
  23. 1 2 Walk-Don't Run - The Story of the Ventures, By Del Halterman - Page 54 A Dream Fulfilled
  24. ↑ Global Dog Productions - 45 Discography for Julian Records
  25. ↑ Billboard Music Week, June 5, 1961 - Page 41 Limited Sales Potential, Popular
  26. ↑ The Music of Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds, By Robert Reynolds - Page 14
  27. ↑ Billboard, June 30, 1962 - Page 38 SHANE * A Great New Singer A Great New Record "ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS c/w "TILL I FOUND YOU"
  28. 1 2 3 4 5 The Music of Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds, By Robert Reynolds - Page 64 Judd Hamilton Discography
  29. ↑ Walk-Don't Run - The Story of the Ventures, By Del Halterman - Page 110
  30. ↑ Catalog of Copyright Entries: Third series, By Library of Congress. Copyright Office - Volume 17, Part 5, Number 2 Music July–December 1963 Page 1840
  31. ↑ Billboard, July 27, 1963 - Page 34 **** Four Star Singles, Popular
  32. ↑ Cash Box, July 27, 1963 - Page 8 RECORD REVIEWS
  33. ↑ The Music of Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds, By Robert Reynolds - Page 16
  34. ↑ Cash Box, January 22, 1966 - Page 22 BIOS FOR DJS, T-Bones
  35. ↑ American International Records, June 30, 1970 - Talent, From The Music Capitals of the World, DOMESTIC, LOS ANGELES
  36. 1 2 Global Dog Productions - 45 Discography for American International Records
  37. ↑ Billboard, June 13, 1970 - Page 8 AIR's Strong Track Showing
  38. ↑ Record World, November 7, 1970 - Page 10 record world Single Reviews, FOUR STAR **** PICKS
  39. ↑ Record Mirror, June 19, 1971 - Page 19 Mirrorpick, AMERICAN RELEASES
  40. ↑ Pipleline #77 Summer, 2008 - The Avantis – The T-Bones – The Ventures – all part of the Judd & Danny Hamilton Story
  41. ↑ Record Mirror, April 10, 1976 - Page 10 soul stirrings by Kevin Allen
  42. ↑ 'Record Mirror, April 10, 1976 - Page 25 james hamilton's DISCO PAGE
  43. ↑ Billboard, June 6, 1964 - Page 30 Music As Written, Hollywood
  44. ↑ Billboard, August 29, 1964 - Page 10 Talent, People and Places by Mike Gross
  45. 1 2 Walk-Don't Run - The Story of the Ventures, By Del Halterman - Page 102
  46. ↑ Redbone's Official Website - The origins of Redbone from 1960 to 1969
  47. ↑ Pop Surf Culture: Music, Design, Film, and Fashion from the Bohemian Surf Boom, by Brian Chidester and Domenic Priore, 2008, ISBN 978-1595800350 - Page 105
  48. ↑ Walk-Don't Run - The Story of the Ventures, By Del Halterman - Page 160 THOSE HAMILTON BROTHERS
  49. ↑ The Spokesman-Review, Thursday, January 5, 1995 - Music Still Keeps Late Rock Star’s Memory Alive By Doug Clark
  50. ↑ FilmAffinity - A Talent for Loving
  51. ↑ ONCE UPON A TIME IN A WESTERN, February 15, 2020 - A Talent for Loving (1969)
  52. ↑ The Gorehound's Guide to Splatter Films of the 1980s, By Scott Aaron Stine - Page 182 Maniac (1980)
  53. 1 2 New Age Universe - JUDD HAMILTON
  54. 1 2 FilmFracture, JUNE 27, 2019 - Cinema Fearité Presents Joe Spinell And Caroline Munro In ‘The Last Horror Film’ BY JAMES JAY EDWARDS
  55. 1 2 Caroline Munro, First Lady of Fantasy:
    A Complete Annotated Record of Film and Television Appearances    , By Robert Michael “Bobb” Cotter, 2012 - ISBN 978-0-7864-6882-9 - Page 121 The Seventh Annual Science Fiction Film Awards -
    1980 Fantasy Productions
  56. ↑ InsidePulse.com, January 3, 2016 - Blu-ray Review: The Last Horror Film (aka Fanatic) - Joe Corey
  57. ↑ TV Guide - The Last Horror Film, CAST & CREW
  58. ↑ Superstar in a Masquerade, By William Sargent - Judd Hamilton
  59. ↑ Global Dog Productions - 45 Discography for Dolton Records
  60. ↑ Popsike - JUDD HAMILTON : Flight 103 / Initials (Regency) Teen Po
  61. ↑ Complete Recorded Music™ - Regency (United States) 7" Single #111 — Product Details
  62. ↑ Discogs - Judd Hamilton Discography, Singles & EP's
  63. ↑ Encyclopédisque - Disque We love you Mr Pompidou, Judde HAMILTON
  64. ↑ Encyclopédisque - Disque Bonne chance, Judd Hamilton
  65. ↑ bare•bones e-zine, Saturday, July 23, 2016 - The Caroline Munro Archive: Hamilton & Munro - Come Softly To Me by John Scoleri
  66. ↑ http://slaplover-record.com/?pid=74438934 http://slaplover-record.com/?pid=74438934 HAMILTON & MUNRO / COME SOFTLY TO ME]
  67. ↑ Walk-Don't Run - The Story of the Ventures, By Del Halterman - Page 102
  68. ↑ Northwest Music Archives - "Surfin' Granny" / "Do The Surfin' Granny", ARTIST: AVANTIS, The (CA)
  69. ↑ Music Metason - ArtistInfo, The Avantis, Phantom Surfer / Lucille
  70. ↑ The Music of Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds, By Robert Reynolds - Page 65 T-Bones Discography
  71. ↑ Ron Grainer "The Australian Years", JULY 2013 - Whats New, 1978 "FESTIVALS AND SUNS" by Spheres
  72. ↑ 99 - Spheres, Festivals And Suns
  73. ↑ eil.com - SPHERES Festivals And Suns
  74. ↑ Discogs - Jay Chattaway – Bande Originale Du Film "Maniac"
  75. ↑ Rotten Tomatoes - A TALENT FOR LOVING
  76. ↑ TV Guide - Starcrash - Full Cast & Crew
  77. ↑ BFI - Maniac (1980), Cast & Credits, Credits
  78. ↑ BFI - The Last Horror Film (1981), Cast & Credits
  79. ↑ il Davinotti - FANTASTICOZZI, Cast:
  80. ↑ Moviefone - FantastiCozzi, FantastiCozziCast and Crew
  81. ↑ cine.com - Reparto
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