Willie Hall (drummer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Willie Hall
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Hall in 2007
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Willie Clarence Hall |
| Also known as | Willie "Too Big" Hall |
| Born | August 8, 1950 Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
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| Years active | 1965–present |
| Labels | Stax |
William Clarence Hall (born August 8, 1950) is an American drummer. He is famous for his work with music legend Isaac Hayes. Willie Hall was also a key member of The Blues Brothers band. He appeared in their popular movies.
Contents
Willie Hall's Musical Journey
Early Days as a Drummer
Willie Hall started playing drums in 1965. He was still in high school back then. He played with a band called the Bar-Kays. He also joined Isaac Hayes' band, known as The Movement.
Playing at Stax Records
In the 1970s, Willie Hall became part of the Stax-Volt Recording Section Team. This team worked at Stax Records, a very famous music company. From 1968 to 1977, Hall played drums for many big Stax artists. He helped record songs for The Emotions, Little Milton, and Carla and Rufus Thomas. He also played for Johnnie Taylor, The Staple Singers, and Albert King.
Willie Hall also worked closely with Isaac Hayes. He played percussion on Hayes' albums like Hot Buttered Soul. He also worked on The Isaac Hayes Movement. Hall even played on Hayes' hit song Theme from Shaft. He also helped produce Hayes' last album for Stax.
Joining Famous Bands
In 1977, Willie Hall was asked to join Booker T. & the M.G.'s. He replaced their drummer, Al Jackson, Jr., who had passed away. Hall recorded an album called Universal Language with the group.
Two years later, Hall joined The Blues Brothers band. He played alongside guitarist Steve Cropper and bass player Donald "Duck" Dunn. This led to his appearances in the hit movie The Blues Brothers. He also appeared in the sequel, Blues Brothers 2000. In 2008, he played himself in the movie Soul Men.
Touring and Collaborations
Willie Hall has traveled all over the world playing music. He has recorded with many different artists. These include The Blues Brothers, Steve Cropper, and Cab Calloway. He also played with Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and KC and the Sunshine Band. Other artists he worked with are Bonnie Raitt, Earl Scruggs, and Charlie Daniels Band.
He was also a member of The Bo-Keys. This band included talented musicians from Memphis. One of them was Charles "Skip" Pitts, who played guitar for Isaac Hayes.
Willie Hall is the father of rapper Gangsta Pat.
