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 |
Willie Clarence Hall was born on August 8, 1950. He is an American drummer. Willie is most famous for his work with the musician Isaac Hayes. He is also well-known as a member of The Blues Brothers band.
Contents
Willie Hall's Music Journey
Starting Out as a Drummer
Willie Hall started playing drums in 1965. He was still in high school back then. He played with bands like The Bar-Kays and Isaac Hayes' own band, The Movement.
Playing for Stax Records
During the 1970s, Willie was part of the Stax-Volt Recording Team. From 1968 to 1977, he played drums for many famous Stax Records artists. These included The Emotions, Little Milton, Carla and Rufus Thomas, and The Staple Singers. He also played for Albert King and Isaac Hayes.
Willie also helped produce Isaac Hayes' last album with Stax. He played percussion on Hayes' famous albums like Hot Buttered Soul and The Isaac Hayes Movement. He also played on the hit song Theme from Shaft.
Joining Famous Bands
In 1977, Willie was asked to join the band Booker T. & the M.G.'s. He took the place of their drummer, Al Jackson, Jr., who had passed away. Willie recorded an album called Universal Language with the group.
Two years later, Willie Hall joined The Blues Brothers band. He joined with guitarist Steve "The Colonel" Cropper and bass player Donald "Duck" Dunn. This led to Willie appearing in the popular movie The Blues Brothers and its follow-up, Blues Brothers 2000. He also appeared as himself in the 2008 movie Soul Men.
Touring and Collaborations
Willie Hall has traveled all over the world. He has recorded music with many different artists. These include The Blues Brothers, Steve Cropper, Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, and Ray Charles. He also played with KC and the Sunshine Band, Bonnie Raitt, and Earl Scruggs.
Willie was also a member of The Bo-Keys. This band was made up of highly respected musicians from Memphis. It included Charles "Skip" Pitts, who was Isaac Hayes' wah-wah guitarist.
Willie Hall is the father of the rapper Gangsta Pat.
