James (Jim) Hamilton

Inducted in 2005

James (Jim) Hamilton was born on January 14, 1937 on McNabs Island, Halifax County, Nova Scotia. The family moved to Rockingham when he was in his teens.Jim's interest in music and promotion started to show at an early age. While in his teens, he started to organize and promote minstrel shows with the proceeds going to the church where the shows were held. The shows proved so popular that they soon outgrew the church and Jim had to find larger accommodations. It was about this time Jim received a call from the Royal Canadian Legion in Sackville suggesting he organize Sunday hootenannies to be held at the Legion. The shows were successful with two shows being held on some Sundays. The monies raised went to the IWK Hospital and the Children's Wish Foundation. Jim met a country band in the early 1960's called "The Nashville Sound" which included Vic Alders and Bill Uloth.Jim and the band started to do talent shows which led them to Windsor, Kentville, New Minas, Wolfville, Berwick, etc. This led Jim to Nine Mile River and in 1968 he started his now famous jamborees at the Nine Mile River Community Hall. The rest is history! Jim's monthly Sunday night jamborees are as popular as ever. Over the years many local entertainers, as well as well-known artists such as Smiley Bates, Hal Bruce and Carroll Baker have performed at this venue. Many aspiring young artists have gotten their start at Nine Mile River, thanks to Jim. He has organized many benefit shows for people who were victims of sickness, accidents, fires, etc. In October of this year, Jim will host his thirteenth annual cancer benefit show. Jim Hamilton, a true builder in the country music industry.