William J. "Bill" Hall did everything he could to help musicians start their careers on the Gulf Coast.
He had a deep understanding of what good music sounds like and helped artists record songs at his Gulf Coast Recording Company in the 1960s. Despite battling cancer and dying in 1983, his influence remains.
Because of this, the Jefferson County Historical Commission on Saturday at Hall's studio at 888 Pearl St.
Marge Hall, Bill Hall's widow, said: "Man, I was so proud of this… It was the start of [Bill's] career as a music publisher.
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Artists like Roger Miller, Moon Mullican, Bob McDill, Bill Rice, Jerry Foster, Dickie Lee, Jack Clement and Allen Reynolds had two things in common, according to a news release from the County Historical Commission: They all spent their time recording songs. at Hall studios. . And they were all inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Beaumont musicians Edgar Winter and Johnny Winter also recorded for the Gulf Coast Recording Company, as did electric blues guitarist Albert Collins.
Bill Hall started out as a small studio on Magnolia Street.
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It started from there.
“This is empire building,” says Marge Hall.
His legend is growing through collaborations with artists of various genres.
“Bill has charisma…everyone likes, like (Louisiana Swamp Music), Cajun music…the studio itself is very influential in many genres of music,” said Marge Hall.
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Bill Hall was diagnosed with cancer in 1966 and battled it for 18 months.
“The record label broke up because of his illness,” says Marge Hall.
However, Bill Hall's love of music did not end there.
Finally, in 1967, he moved to Nashville, where he began recording more country music and remained there until his death.
Southeast Texas musical icons and Lamar College professors Sam Monroe and Jimmy Simmons were among those who spoke about Bill Hall's impact on the music industry.
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Mate. Hollinshead@beaumonterprise.com
Twitter.com/MattH_717
