Ambassador of Music and Faith by Jennifer Jacoby-Smith   George Hamilton IV says he dreamed of being a country music singer as far back as he can remember. Growing up, he listened to the likes of Hank Williams and Chet Atkins performing on the radio from the Grand Ole Opry.   At the age of 12, Hamilton bought his first guitar using money he'd earned from his paper route. The eager youngster convinced his parents to let him take a bus from their home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to Nashville, Tennessee, to meet his country music hero Chet Atkins. It was a trip Hamilton repeated several times during his teen years.   By high school, Hamilton and his band played luncheons and parties. These performances encouraged him to pursue a career in country music. Although, supportive of his singing, his parents urged him to continue his education. In 1955 he enrolled at the University of North Carolina.   Hamilton eventually transferred to American University in Washington, D.C., so he could continue his regular appearances on TV's Jimmy Dean Show. Ultimately, his studies suffered and he left college.   Hamilton's life changed in 1956 when he was asked to record a song he didn't really care for. "A Rose and a Baby Ruth" ended up being a Top Five hit. Suddenly, Hamilton says, "I had a manager, an agent and a bunch of people telling me what to do."   The singer, who toured with the likes of Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent, and the Everly Brothers, continued to record teen ballads such as "High School Romance."   In 1958, with a pop music career firmly established, Hamilton married his high school sweetheart Adelaide, known as Tinky because of her childhood fascination with Tinkerbell from Peter Pan.   Returning to his first love - country music - Hamilton and his wife moved to Nashville. With the help of longtime friend Chet Atkins, Hamilton signed with RCA records and joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1960. He produced hits like "Truck Drivin' Man" and "Abilene."   In the mid-'60s Hamilton came under the influence of Canadian songwriters like Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Ian Tyson and Sylvia Tyson. His music took on more of a folk flavour.   Going to church was always an important part of family life while growing up and something Hamilton continued to do as an adult. "Mother made sure that we were in church every time the doors opened," says Hamilton.   While he was grateful for his Christian upbringing, he says, "I took it for granted. I coasted along - believing but not necessarily living it out."   In 1974, Hamilton became the first American country singer to perform behind the Iron Curtain, performing in both the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia.   While in Prague, Hamilton met various members of the local church community. The Christians he met there were being persecuted for their faith in Christ, including being excluded from attending universities.   "It was startling," he says. The faith he took for granted, others were sacrificing so much for.   After his tour of Eastern Europe, Hamilton recommitted his life to Christ, putting Him ahead of everything else. "Church isn't just a social club," says Hamilton. The tour earned Hamilton the title of International Ambassador for Country Music. While flattered by the recognition, he says, "I want to be a good ambassador for Christ and share what I believe."   Hamilton got that chance when he sang at an 1986 Billy Graham crusade in Alaska. Since then, Hamilton's songs and personal testimony have been heard by millions at other crusades around the world. He says, "[I had the] most satisfaction and joy when I was a guest singer/musician with Dr. Graham."   Hamilton has been touring and recording for 47 years. "It's just a whole lot of years," he laughs.   Currently, the 66-year old singer is touring Canada as part of the "Living Legends of Country Music," featuring Kitty Wells, Bill Anderson and others. Several Western Canadian performances are planned, including an Oct. 2 concert at Edmonton's Jubilee Auditorium. A gospel sing-along is planned for the end of the program.   For Hamilton, the tour of Canada is a bit like a homecoming. From 1972-78, The George Hamilton IV Show aired on CHCH in Hamilton, ON. It was eventually syndicated across the country and in Great Britain. Over the years Hamilton recorded five albums of Canadian music, including the 1969 hit "Canadian Pacific." He says most of the songs he'll perform on tour were written by "friends from the North (Canada)."   When he isn't touring, Hamilton often sings at The Opry. He's also keeping busy recording albums. His latest, a collection of traditional Irish folk songs, is scheduled for release this fall. He's also working on an album of bluegrass gospel songs called On a Blue Ridge Sunday - a tribute to the bluegrass roots of his grandfather. An album of Scottish folk songs is also in the works.   Says Hamilton of his many songs, "I hope and pray that they might have meant something to somebody and maybe changed their lives."   He and Tinky - married for 45 years - take much joy in their two grandchildren Mac and George Hamilton VI, known as Nash. Nash frequently performs with his Grandpa at the Opry.   Despite having a long and successful music career, it's living for Jesus matters most to Hamilton. "[Jesus] is my role model, my reason for being, my Saviour, my helper, and my strength," says Hamilton. "He's the most important person in my life." Do you want to feel Jesus' guidance in you life? Click here to find out how. 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