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CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — Singer-songwriter Anthony Hamilton plans to cook up his special blend of country soul for the people of Charles Town.
Hamilton will perform two nights at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races at 9 p.m. Friday, May 4, and 8 p.m. Saturday, May 5.
Best known for his 2003 sophomore album, “Comin’ from Where I’m From,” Hamilton, 47, began his musical path singing in his church choir.
“It’s that feeling you get hearing somebody else lead that made me start to pay attention to music,” Hamilton said during a telephone interview from Charlotte, N.C. “Not just sonically but what it did to people. I was a child who had a very wide imagination and I would become the song. I used to listen to ‘Ben’ by Michael Jackson a lot and I would dream one day I was going to become a famous singer. I said that over and over again for years and I always believed it.”
“What I’m Feelin’,” Hamilton’s latest album, showcases his growth throughout his career.
“I think we all evolve and we live and experience things,” he said. “I think I know now exactly what I want to hear and what my fans really like. I’m not afraid to stay as Anthony Hamilton as I want to be. It comes with growth and finding yourself.”
Hamilton has collaborated with a variety of artists, ranging from D’Angelo to Josh Turner.
“There’s a magic to collaborating,” he said. “I really enjoyed working with Josh Turner. Nappy Roots, too; I had a kinship working with him. Rick Ross was cool. It was cool being around this urban environment, which I’m brought up in as well, it was interesting. It was pretty cool.”
Of the many songs that Hamilton has written, he is most proud of his song “Comin’ from Where I’m From.”
“It’s so honest and pure, and it was different from all the other stuff on the radio,” he said. “It had grit and was honest. It set my career off.”
Another song that Hamilton is proud of is “Freedom,” which was featured on Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained” soundtrack.
“It was epic,” he said. “It was dope. I’ve met him. He’s a huge fan of mine, and he makes it known. To be a fan of mine, it speaks volumes.”
Hamilton admires many contemporary hip-hop and R&B artists.
“I like SZA, Black, and Khaled,” he said. “I like Migos. I like Leon Bridges. Tank and the Bangas, I like what they’re bringing. There’s a lot of good music.”
Hamilton respects R&B and soul singers that came before him, and shares some of his favorites.
“Al Green, his delivery, and his passion in the music,” he said. “It’s his songs sonically and what they represented; the church, love. Marvin Gaye, and that mysterious kind of aura that his music had. It was sexy, prolific, and powerful. James Brown for the energy. Arethra Franklin for just singing her a-- off. Joe Cocker for the grit. James Cleveland, he’s a gospel artist who sounded like my granddaddy when I heard him. One of my all time favorites is Bill Withers, he’s a phenomenal songwriter. He’s so matter of fact; clever and witty, I love it.”
Hamilton is looking forward to performing in Charles Town.
“I’m excited to come,” he said. “I’m just excited to have amazing fans to support me.”
Where: Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, W.Va.
When: 9 p.m. Friday, May 4, and 8 p.m. Saturday, May 5
Cost: $60 to $125 depending on seating
Contact: Go to www.hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com.
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