Grand Ole Opry Member Spotlight: George Hamilton IV

Grand Ole Opry Country Music Show - Nashville

Dierks Bentley - The Opry's Youngest Member

As the unofficial International Ambassador of Country Music, George Hamilton IV had one wonders for spreading American country music throughout the world. In fact, this North Carolina native is so well-traveled that he holds the distinction of being the first country music artist from the United States to perform in Russia and Czechoslovakia.

Background and Early Career

• George Hamilton IV was born on July 19, 1937 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He enjoyed early success at the age of 19 with the pop hit, "A Rose and a Baby Ruth," but a few years later decided to pursue his country roots and seek out a career in country music. The career move would be a wise one.
• George moved to Nashville, where he was signed to RCA Victor by Chet Atkins, who he had met many years before as a teenager at the Grand Ole Opry. By 1960, he enjoyed his first hit with "Before This Day Ends," and in 1963, he scored his first number 1 hit with "Abilene." Hamilton has toured the world over spreading his brand of country music, including making appearances in regions as varied as the Middle East, East Asia, and throughout Europe.

Grand Ole Opry Induction

• George Hamilton IV was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on February 6, 1960.

George Hamilton IV at the Opry

• George Hamilton IV is a frequent performer on the Grand Ole Opry stage. To find out if George IV will be at the Opry in upcoming weeks, please visit the VME Grand Ole Opry Blog.

Notable Hits

• "Abilene"
• "Before This Day Ends"
• "Break My Mind"
• "Early Morning Rain"
• "Fort Worth, Dallas, or Houston"
• "Steel Rail Blues"
• "She's a Little Bit Country"
• "Urge for Goin"

More Information

• See the complete list of current Grand Ole Opry members!