I Hope My Songs Bring You Comfort in This Hard Time
Grammy vet Anthony Hamilton reflects on soul music’s healing power during the Covid-19 pandemic
Update 6/7/22: Level has a new home. You can read this article and other new articles by visiting LEVELMAN.com.
I’ve always wanted to make sure that my fans, and fans of soul music, feel cared for — comforted and loved. I accept being a voice of and for the people. I’ve been told that songs like [2004’s] “Charlene” are embedded in people’s hearts. That might seem like a lot, but it doesn’t bother me. I’m okay with people saying that about my music. Ultimately, I am my brother’s keeper.
As far as right now is concerned, it’s all about helping people heal and keeping their heads together. I feel like my “Quarantine at Home” performances helped people out because they were refreshing and peaceful. The intimacy of performing at home created a sense of real purity. I’m at home, and they’re at home; we’re comfortable. The elevated sense of vulnerability made me feel like I was hand-delivering…