Arthur Hamilton
It is with profound sadness, and an overwhelming sense of loss that we mark the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Arthur Hamilton.
Arthur’s presence in the Hollywood film music community was undeniable, not only as an incredibly gifted songwriter, but also due to his unwavering belief in our profession, and the service he gave to it. Whether as a member of the ASCAP Foundation Board or as a Music Branch Governor at the Motion Picture Academy, Arthur’s influence was palpable. He was there at the very founding of the SCL, and served as its second president from 1985-1987. When I was elected president in 2013, I had the extreme privilege of Arthur serving as one of my two vice presidents – Charles Bernstein being the other. Arthur continued as VP till 2021 – Charles continues to this day – and without the guidance and wisdom of these two gentlemen, I would truly have gotten off to a rocky start. Their insight and experience was evident, but more importantly, I witnessed two friends whose admiration and respect for each other was an inspiration for the entire board.
As one of Arthur’s oldest friends, I asked Charles to express, in his own words, some thoughts on their friendship. He has shared a personal tribute below.
Rest in peace Arthur. We will remain eternally grateful for the songs have given us, and the service you so selflessly gave to our community, and our profession.
Ashley Irwin
SCL President
I am missing Arthur Hamilton most right now. In this moment. There is so much to be said about his life and career. There is so much to celebrate and laud. And yet, it’s very hard to begin. I am completely stumped. The right words just won’t come.
I would love to be able to call him and say help! He was such a master of words and of knowing just how to phrase things. I have known, loved and respected this man all of my adult life, and I simply don’t know what to say to honor his memory. We could highlight all of his great gifts as a songwriter… the iconic “Cry Me a River”…the life-long service he has given to ASCAP, AMPAS, The SCL. I could recount the decades of great evenings making music with him, his wonderful partner and wife Joyce, and all the talented musician friends they attracted. But right now the usual words of praise feel somehow inadequate, expected, routine.
Descriptions of his charismatic personality and accomplishments don’t really say what’s in my heart, or what made Arthur the unique, profound, hilarious, gifted artist that he most certainly was. Arthur could see into the core of things. And he never seemed in the least bit surprised by what he saw. He was a realist. A pragmatist. And at the same time, he would always draw poetry or amazing wit from what he observed.
I was one of the lucky ones who got to share some private time, and even write a couple of songs with him. I knew I was totally out of my league. If he knew it, he never let on. He was so totally enthusiastic about creating a new song. Every time. Composers that he worked with could feel his sheer joy and enthusiasm for writing. With Arthur, the door was always open to collaboration and creativity. Never a hesitation. Never a doubt.
In countless ways, and for countless reasons, I owe so much to Arthur for things that are valuable and cherished in my life. Above all, he always knew the right words. If the words weren’t there, he always knew how to find them. Just remembering that fact helped me right now to find some words to convey something well beyond words.
Everyone in this community who writes music and lyrics—Arthur did both amazingly!—owes so much to this devoted champion of the art, the craft and the politics of songwriting. In his 99 years, he gave so much, for so long, to so many.
Thank you Arthur, my dear friend. You are beloved. Each and every one of us in this community is grateful for all that you have done to enrich our profession and our lives!
– Charles Bernstein