Russ Hamilton, English singer-songwriter (d. 2008)

Russ Hamilton (born Ronald James Edward Hamilton on 19 January 1932 in Everton, Liverpool, England – died 11 October 2008) was an accomplished English singer and songwriter, best known for his distinctive vocal style and a unique transatlantic chart success in the late 1950s.

Hamilton’s career breakthrough came in 1957 with the release of his single "We Will Make Love." This romantic ballad resonated strongly with British audiences, propelling it to a remarkable No. 2 position on the official United Kingdom singles chart. Its popularity established him as a notable figure in the burgeoning British pop music scene of that era, marking a significant milestone in his musical journey.

Interestingly, the reception of this very same record differed dramatically across the Atlantic. In the United States, it was not "We Will Make Love" that captured the public's attention, but rather its B-side, a melancholic track titled "Rainbow." This poignant song climbed to an impressive No. 4 on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S. This unusual phenomenon—where the A-side became a major hit in one country and its B-side dominated the charts in another—was a fascinating anomaly often attributed to varying radio programming preferences, regional tastes, and the common practice of disc jockeys independently selecting tracks for airplay from imported records. It highlights the diverse musical landscapes of the time.

While "We Will Make Love" remains his most iconic hit, Russ Hamilton also achieved other chart successes in the UK, including "Wedding Ring" (1957) and "I Still Believe" (1958), further cementing his brief but impactful presence in British popular music. His contributions as both a vocalist and a songwriter left an indelible mark on the era’s sound. Russ Hamilton passed away in 2008, leaving behind a legacy characterized by his memorable hits and that enduring story of transatlantic chart divergence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Russ Hamilton

What was Russ Hamilton's real name?
Russ Hamilton's birth name was Ronald James Edward Hamilton.
When were "We Will Make Love" and "Rainbow" released?
Both "We Will Make Love" (A-side) and "Rainbow" (B-side) were released in 1957.
What were the peak chart positions for "We Will Make Love" and "Rainbow"?
"We Will Make Love" reached No. 2 on the UK singles chart, while "Rainbow" peaked at No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
Why did the A-side succeed in the UK and the B-side in the U.S.?
This unusual scenario was largely due to differing radio programming choices and regional preferences. Disc jockeys in the U.S. often independently chose which track to play from imported singles, leading to "Rainbow" gaining more traction than "We Will Make Love" in that market, whereas British radio favored the A-side.