Henry Hall (bandleader) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Hall
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Hall in the mid-1930s
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Henry Robert Hall |
| Born | 2 May 1898 Peckham, South London, England |
| Died | 28 October 1989 (aged 91) Eastbourne, Sussex, England |
| Genres | British dance band |
| Occupation(s) | Bandleader, composer, arranger, actor |
| Associated acts | The BBC Dance Orchestra, Henry Hall and His Orchestra, Henry Hall's Guest Night, Henry Hall's Rhythm Entertainment |
Henry Robert Hall (born May 2, 1898 – died October 28, 1989) was a famous English bandleader. He was well-known for his regular performances on BBC Radio. This was during the popular time of British dance bands, from the 1920s to the 1960s.
Contents
Henry Hall's Early Life and Music Journey
Henry Hall was born in Peckham, a part of South London, England. He showed musical talent early on. He won a special scholarship to Trinity College of Music. There, he studied many instruments and music skills. He learned to play the trumpet and piano. He also studied harmony and counterpoint, which are ways to combine musical notes.
First Jobs and World War I
Henry's first job was at the main office of the Salvation Army. He worked as a copyist, which meant he wrote out music. He even wrote several marches for them. During World War I, Henry served in the Royal Field Artillery. He played the trumpet and piano in his army band.
Starting a Music Career
It took some time for Henry Hall's music career to really take off. Eventually, he got a big job with the London Midland and Scottish Railway. This company hired him to manage all the music in their many hotels. One of these was the famous Gleneagles Hotel, where he had already led a band.
Henry Hall's Family Life
In October 1923, Henry met Margery Harker while traveling by train. They quickly became friends. They talked about music and shows they both liked. Just two days after meeting, Henry asked Margery to marry him. They got married in January 1924 in London. Henry and Margery had two children, a son named Mike and a daughter named Betty.
First Radio Broadcast
In June 1924, the Gleneagles Hotel had its grand opening. Henry Hall convinced the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) to broadcast the event live on radio. This was the start of his long and successful connection with BBC radio.
Becoming a Broadcasting Star in the 1930s
Because of his success at Gleneagles, the BBC chose Henry Hall in 1932. He took over from another popular bandleader, Jack Payne. Henry became the new leader of the BBC Dance Orchestra.
Daily Radio Shows
Every weekday at 5:15 PM, Henry Hall's radio show was broadcast from Broadcasting House. Many people across the country listened to his program. His show became very popular. His special opening song was "It's Just the Time for Dancing." He usually ended his shows with a song he wrote himself, called "Here's to the Next Time."
Popular Songs and Performances
In 1932, Henry Hall and his BBC Orchestra recorded two very famous songs. These were "Hush, Hush, Hush, Here Comes the Bogeyman" and "Teddy Bears' Picnic." A singer named Val Rosing sang on these recordings. "Teddy Bears' Picnic" became incredibly popular. It sold over a million copies! By 1934, Henry's popularity was clear. His orchestra was the main act at the famous London Palladium theater.
Film and Special Events
Henry Hall also appeared in a documentary film in 1935. It was called BBC The Voice of Britain. A famous clip from this film, "This is Henry Hall speaking," is still used in documentaries today. In 1936, Henry Hall made his first full-length movie. That same year, he was a special guest conductor. He led the ship's orchestra on the first trip of the Queen Mary ocean liner. During this trip, he wrote a song called "Somewhere at Sea."
In 1937, the BBC Dance Orchestra played at the opening of the Gaumont State Cinema in Kilburn, London. Henry Hall's last broadcast with the BBC Dance Orchestra was on September 25, 1937. After that, the band went on a tour before breaking up in 1939.
Henry Hall's Later Years
During the Second World War, Henry Hall continued to entertain. He played music for soldiers and gave concerts in factories all over Britain. Many of these concerts were part of his "Guest Night" radio broadcasts. For a few months in 1943, "Guest Night" was replaced by "Henry Hall's Rhythm Entertainment." This show was made to entertain troops who were serving overseas.
After the War and Television
After the war, Henry Hall became more involved in the entertainment business. He worked as an agent and producer, helping other performers. His work with the BBC grew again. He hosted Henry Hall's Guest Night on the radio, and later on television. Henry Hall also helped launch the television show Face the Music.
Personal Life and Legacy
Henry Hall's son, Michael, served in the Royal Navy. Later, Michael became a chairman at the Players Theatre in London. This theater was started by actor Leonard Sachs. Henry also had a daughter named Betty.
In 1955, Henry Hall wrote his autobiography, which is his life story. He called it Here's to the Next Time. He dedicated the book to his wife, Margery.
Henry Hall stopped regular broadcasting in 1964. In 1970, he was given a special honor called the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). He passed away in Eastbourne, Sussex, on October 28, 1989.
There are two special plaques that remember Henry Hall. A green plaque is at 8 Randolph Mews, Little Venice, where he used to live. It was put up on May 2, 1996. A blue plaque is at 38 Harman Drive in Cricklewood, London. This is where he lived between 1932 and 1959.
Images for kids
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Hall in the mid-1930s
