Hal Linton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hal Linton
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Hal Linton Promo Image
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Hal Alexander Linton |
| Born | December 25, 1986 |
| Origin | Barbados |
| Genres | R&B, pop, soul |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, record producer |
| Instruments | Vocals, piano, guitar |
| Years active | 2006–present |
| Labels | Funk Baby Productions, Green&Bloom, BMG |
| Associated acts | Shontelle Rihanna Robin Thicke Wyclef Jean Jerry Wonda Arden 'Keyz' Altino Rico Love Melanie Fiona Salaam Remi Patrick Hartman |
Hal Alexander Linton (born December 25, 1986) is a talented singer, songwriter, and producer from Barbados. He is known for his R&B and soul music. In October 2008, it was announced that Hal Linton signed a big deal with Universal Motown, a major record label. This made him one of several Barbadian artists, like Rihanna and Shontelle, to achieve international success.
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About Hal Linton
Hal Linton is the only child of Cheryl Linton and David Linton. Both of his parents were trained musicians. Hal started performing on stage with his mother when he was only two years old. He was raised as a Seventh-day Adventist. His parents taught him strong moral and religious values from the Bible.
His Education
Hal went to Charles F. Broomes Memorial School and Ellerslie Secondary School. Later, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Design from Barbados Community College. He was very good at design. He even won a special scholarship to study for his Master's degree in the USA. However, Hal decided to put his studies on hold. He chose to follow his dream of a career in music instead.
Hal's Music Career
In 2005, Hal worked at CRS Music Studio as part of his design internship. This is where his musical creativity really grew. He produced his own independent album called Spirit:Life:Love, which came out in 2006. The first song from the album, "Cardiac Arrest," became very popular. It helped him become known as the "soul prince of the Caribbean."
Early Success
People compared Hal to famous musicians like Marvin Gaye and Prince. In 2007, he was nominated for eight awards at the Barbados Music Awards. He won four of them: Best New Artist, Song of the Year, R&B Song of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year. Soon after, he performed live at the Barbados Jazz Festival. His performance received great reviews.
A music critic named John Murph from BET said in 2007:
Soul newcomer Hal Linton … really stole the show. … the fresh-faced Linton demonstrated the island's burgeoning R&B scene with infectious originals, such as the driving "Shake It Off" and his regional hit single, "Cardiac Arrest." But it was his ragamuffin makeover of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" that sent the most chills down the enthusiastic audience's back.
Moving to the USA
After hearing about his amazing performances, a production company called Syndicated Rhythm Entertainment (SRP Records) offered Hal a deal in January 2007. This company also worked with Rihanna and Shontelle. Hal decided not to sign with them at that time. Instead, he moved to the USA with his manager, Teneille Doyle. They faced many challenges, but they kept going.
In September 2007, the Government of Barbados decided to support Hal financially. This was to help him get a recording deal and promote his music to the world. It was the first time the Barbadian government had ever done this for an artist. This funding allowed Hal to perform across the USA and work with different music producers and executives.
Signing with Universal Motown
By May 2008, Hal and his manager had three production deals to consider. They eventually signed with SRP Productions. By July 2008, the president of Universal Motown, Sylvia Rhone, became interested in Hal. She signed him to her label. While at Motown, Hal released three singles: "She's Dangerous," "Southern Hospitality," and "Mind Control." These songs got over half a million views on YouTube.
Live Performances and Collaborations
In 2009, Hal made his television debut on the BET show Grey Goose Rising Icons. He was also invited to perform at the 2009 NFL Thanksgiving Day Motown 50th Anniversary Tribute Halftime Show in Detroit. Hal loved performing live. He toured extensively across the USA on various music festivals and tours. He performed with many famous artists like John Legend, Estelle, Fantasia, and India Arie.
In 2011, Hal signed a big deal with BMG, a worldwide music publishing company. He continues to work with many award-winning producers, writers, and artists. Some of these include Jerry Wonda, Salaam Remi, Wyclef Jean, Shontelle, Mary J. Blige, Melanie Fiona, and Robin Thicke.
