Delores Hall
Delores Hall is a celebrated American actress and soul-infused singer known for her powerful stage presence in Broadway musicals like Hair, Godspell, and Your Arms Too Short to Box with God, for which she won a Tony Award. Hailing from a gospel background, she launched her career in the late 1950s, toured with Harry Belafonte, and released solo albums like Hall-Mark (1973). Hall also found success in television, notably as a regular on Diagnosis: Murder.
She was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in a family deeply rooted in gospel music; her mother was a minister who played a significant role in nurturing her early talents in singing within the church environment . This foundational experience in gospel influenced her musical style and performance.
Hall made her Broadway debut as a replacement in the ensemble of the musical "Hair," which marked the beginning of her professional acting career. She gained significant recognition for her role in the Broadway production "Your Arms Too Short to Box with God," for which she received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical in 1977.
In addition to her stage work, Delores Hall has made appearances in various television shows and films. Notable credits include roles in "Lethal Weapon 3" (1992), "Scrooged" (1988), and "Diagnosis Murder" (1993).
Hall released her second album, also titled "Delores Hall," in 1979 on Capitol Records, further solidifying her presence in the music industry. Her work reflects her soul genre influences and showcases her vocal prowess.
As of now, Delores Hall resides in New York City and continues to be recognized for her contributions to music and theater.
Delores Hall
A2 Born To Be Free 5:50
A3 Snapshot 7:58
B1 I Can't Live Without Your Love 7:24
B2 Sing A Happy Song 4:00
B3 Never Gonna Let You Go 4:15
B4 Like A Promise 4:38
Label: Capitol Records – ST-11997
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco, Funk
Delores Hall's self-titled 1979 album, released on Capitol Records, is an excellent disco, funk, and soul record that showcases her powerful vocals and a rich musical arrangement. The album blends R&B ballads with upbeat dance-oriented tracks.
The album features a mix of R&B, soul, funk, and disco styles, reflecting the popular sounds of the late 1970s. It was produced by Robert Thiele Jr. and Mark Kamins, with notable musical contributions, including background vocal arrangements by the legendary Luther Vandross.
The tracks were recorded at mediaound and the Record Plant in NYC, with mastering by Tom Coyne at Frankford/Wayne Mastering Labs.
Several songs from the album were released as singles and are considered highlights:
"Snapshot" This track is a popular and well-regarded disco song, often highlighted for its infectious rhythm and Hall's powerful delivery.
"I Can't Live Without Your Love" Another significant single, this track has a strong dance groove.
"Born to Be Free" This track is a testament to the human spirit's resilience, with a memorable and uplifting chorus.
"Never Needed You Anyway" The album opens with this track, which also saw a single release.
The album is praised for its range of styles, allowing Hall's expressive and powerful voice to shine on everything from dynamic dance numbers to soulful ballads. The overall reception from collectors and fans is very positive, with high average ratings on music databases like Discogs.