It was a beautiful day, far too nice to be inside, but if you had to, there wasn't a better place to be than inside the mother church of country music
At 11AM many of the Ryman's pews were filled with family, fellow performers, friends and fans ( some from as far as England ) who came to say good by for now
to one of most gracious and kind individuals to have ever stood on a stage wherever the Grand Old Opry had performed
GEORGE'S FIRST GUITAR
I've been to many of these music farewells in my almost 28 years of living here, for stars, songwriters and sidemen, but this one folks,was truly one for the ages. For those who couldn't be there. I am posting some of the photos I took, along with some that professional photographer and friend Charlie Kaser took from the Ryman's balcony. I regret that I did not take photos of all who performed and or spoke, but there were times for me, that it was just too important to not be aiming a camera, but rather listening with all my being to what was either being said or sung. From the very start, when Gail Davies came out and sang an acapella version of "Farther Along" , I knew we were in for a most uplifting experience, that I believe the very humble Mr. Hamilton IV, would of thought in wide eyed wonder, it was very kind of all of us to gather round the circle that has been unbroken in the Ryman for centuries.
AL & EMILY CANTRELL, BARRY & HOLLY TASHAIN, AL GOLL
photo : Charlie Kaser
THE TASHAINS HAD PERFOMED WITH GEORGE OVER THE YEARS. THEIR SONG "SAIL AWAY" IS ONE GEORGE HAD RECORDED
JOHN D. LOUDERMILK
Songwriting legend and very old friend of George's for close to 60 years, told some great stories including how "A ROSE AND A BABY RUTH" came to be George's first big hit in 1956
CONNIE SMITH
photo : Charlie Kaser
"HOW GREAT THOU ART"
I first heard Connie sing this at BIll Monroe's Memorial Service held here in Sept of 1996. She shook the Ryman rafters again 18 years farther along.
If you never have heard her perform live, you have not heard the half of it. For such a huge voice to come out of such a petite lady is mind boggling.
DAVE MOODY, MICHELE CAPPS, CAROL & JOE BABCOCK, JIMMY CAPPS
photo : Charlie Kaser
COWBOY JOE A VETERAN NASHVILLE SESSION SINGER
MARTY STUART & HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVE BAND PERFORMED "HOBOS MEDITATION"
KENNY VAUGHAN, MARTY STUART, HARRY STINSON & PAUL MARTIN
photo: Charlie Kaser
JETT WILLIAMS STANDING WHERE HERE DADDY STOOD IN THE EARLY 50's AND SANG "I SAW THE LIGHT"
RICKY SKAGGS PERFORMED WITH THE WHITES, BUCK,SHARON & CHERYL
photo : Charlie Kaser
ANDREW GREER , CINDY MORGAN, DICK AVEN & FRIENDS
They are regulars on the Viva NashVegas Radio Shows
"I'LL FLY AWAY"
photo : Charlie Kaser
AS HE ALWAYS DOES AT THESE THINGS MC EDDIE STUBBS ALWAYS HAS WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT , PRAISE and COMFORT
THE ENTIRE SERVICE LASTED OVER TWO HOURS
GEORGE HAMILTON V
Holding a plaque that honors his father.
They say "Child Is Father To The Man" , but knowing George V the way I do over these last few years, I have to say this child was truly blessed as I'm sure his brother Peyton and sister Mary was to have had a father the likes of George Hamilton IV . Having briefly met their Mom "TINK" this week, I'll go on the record here, saying I'm 100% sure she played a huge part in their raising too , especially with their father having to travel the way he did when they were small. All through this past very difficult week, Hege V not only held things together, but played a big part in the planning and production of this entire service.
The music you hear me playing as you look through this page is just part of an incredible moving song George V wrote called
"WE WILL MEET AGAIN"
Do yourself a big favor and watch this video of the father & son doing this song that was played at the service. The apple sure did not fall from the tree.
RIP GEORGE HAMILTON IV
If you are interested I also have another page on how I got to know and be inspired by George Hamilton IV way back in 1957 located here
