5 Questions with North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductee Anthony Hamilton
The Charlotte area saw some Hollywood glamour with a red carpet and musical tributes last night.
Thursday, The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inducted seven artists and artist groups at the Gem Theatre in Kannapolis. This year’s inductees are: Anthony Hamilton, Bucky Covington, Jim Lauderdale, Richard Lewis Spencer, the Sensational Nightingales, the Steep Canyon Rangers and Etta Baker.
CharlotteFive caught up with inductee and Charlotte native R&B singer Anthony Hamilton, whose gritty soulful vocals has spawned nine albums, a GRAMMY Award, and 17 GRAMMY nominations.
What does it feel like to finally be inducted into the NC Music Hall of Fame?
“It’s an honor, one you don’t expect. You don’t expect to be inducted into something like that, especially because I’m still kind of young. You never really get that acknowledgement from your hometown, it’s always people outside that seem to notice the talent and at home they just say, ‘Oh that’s just Anthony.’ For home to recognize me and to feel that I’m important to the texture of North Carolina, it’s a big deal.”
The NCMHOF is filled with North Carolina legends. Who are you excited to join the ranks with?
“Quite a few people. Nina Simone, who is incredible, The Avett Brothers, Andy Griffith and Thelonious Monk, who was a big deal. There are just so many.”
Mayor Jennifer Roberts proclaimed Oct. 19 as Anthony Hamilton Day. Aside from getting inducted, how will you observe that date?
“We’re going to make it mean something to the people. We’ll find some way to give back and find some causes we can get behind, whether it is for early depression or homelessness; really just anything that people are lacking and need attention for, we’ll help change it for the better.”
What is a place in Charlotte that you go to during your down time that inspires your music?
“There used to be a place over off Central Avenue. I like going over to that area, the NoDa area, it’s very artsy. It was a place that had been there for years, it was called the Double Door Inn but it’s closed now. I used to go there and listen to some of the older cats. Lately, I haven’t been home long enough to really go anywhere.”
When you are at home, what are some of your favorite places to eat in the Queen City?
“My kitchen! That’s one of my favorite places. There’s a couple others that I like. I love going to Mert’s, I love the people there, and of course Price’s Chicken Coop. I also like Ilios Noche, a Mediterranean spot in south Charlotte.”
Images: NC Music Hall of Fame
This story was originally published October 19, 2017 at 10:00 PM with the headline "5 Questions with North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductee Anthony Hamilton."