Jesse Hamilton Jr

Jesse Hamilton, Jr. was born to Jesse Hamilton, Sr. and Gracie Mae Williams on April 11, 1940, in Starkville, Mississippi. He was raised by his grandmother LaMira Williams. Beginning in eighth grade, he participated in the King and Queen Contest that was sponsored by the County Fair. Every year Jesse was the King but there was a different queen every year from his eighth grade through his sophomore year in high school. In his junior year in high school, Jesse came in second place. Jesse did not compete after his junior year because he was interested in girls. The King and Queen contest was based on who was best dressed. The colors changed every year based on the colors of that year. Jesse's mother "Mama Grace" always made sure he had enough money so he could purchase fashionable clothes so he could compete. Jesse graduated from Henderson High School in Starkville, Mississippi in 1959. While in high school, Jesse also belonged to the Tri-Y organization as the District Song Leader from his Sophomore year through his senior year in high school. Part of his duties was to lead the songs at the district meetings that were held in various communities throughout the state of Mississippi, including but not limited to Clay County, Monroe County, Lowdnes County. Many times, the school would allow him to leave early to participate in talent shows. He won most of the talent shows that he participated in by the volume of the applauds. He never won money, just recognition. When Jesse was about sixteen years old, he joined the Cameos singing group. He sang with the Cameos for about two years. After that they changed the name to the Velvets when Jesse was about eighteen years old shortly before he graduated from high school. The Velvets did a recording session in Summer of 1957 in New Orleans with Cosmo Records. There were ten songs on the Album. The owner of Cosmo Records died before the record was released; and, as a result the Album was never released. The manager, Mathew Perkins, took care of the contract so Jesse does not recall how the contract was prepared. After the demo was cut, the owner called a studio in California asking them to listen to the demo. The person in California told Cosmo to sign them up and that is what happened. In the Summer of 1961, the Velvets travelled to Vicksburg, Mississippi to record their second Album. By this time, they had a new manager, Roosevelt Delores. The Velvets played for Columbus University several times a year. They also performed at numerous dances throughout the state of Mississippi. The group got a base pay of about $250 plus sixty percent of what was taken in at the door. The Velvets stayed together for about six years. Jesse left the group and later moved to St. Louis. When Jesse was about sixteen, he met Bobbie Hall. Both lived in Starkville, Jesse lived in the Rockhill community about five miles from Starkville, and Bobbie lived within the City limits of Starkville in the community of Needmore, Mississippi. Bobbie attended Starkville High School. Later he moved to St. Louis, he met and married Loyce Ann Rhodes. He retired from Chematron. After retirement he stayed busy by doing yardwork and being an active member of his church National Memorial St. Louis Holy Temple C.O.G.C. Jesse was a faithful deacon and member. He loved the Lord and his family. Jesse leaves to cherish his memory: his daughter ~ Lanitra (Marvin) Perry; his son ~ Timothy M. Hamilton; his daughter ~ L`Tanya (Clay) Wilson; his daughter ~ Daniele M. Hamilton; three granddaughters ~ Jamelia (Quenon) Smith, Justina (Kendall) Dorion and Ta`Nieshia Hamilton; three grandsons ~ Daniel, David and Dylan Hamilton; and five great-grands; Jesse had seven siblings to precede him in death, two siblings remain ~ Gail Harrison and LaMira Jordon; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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Jesse Hamilton Jr

April 11, 1940 - January 9, 2024