Sunday, July 26, 2009

TOM T. HALL, KENTUCKY'S STORYTELLER

Tom T. Hall was born May 25, 1936 in Olive Hill, Kentucky. He was the son of a Baptist minister. Tom was 11 years old when his mother died. He joined the Armed Forces and spent most of his time in Germany during his four year stint. He attended Roanoke College and is known as a storyteller and songwriter.

Tom went to Nashville in 1964 with very little money and a guitar and quickly made the charts with his songwriting talents. Artists such as Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson, George Jones, Waylon Jennings, Faron Young, Jeannie C. Riley, and many others have recorded his songs.

Tom T. Hall wrote such hits as Jeannie C. Riley's, "Harper Valley P.T.A" and Alan Jackson's, "Little Bitty" but his biggest money making song has been, "I Love".

He is also an author and has written several books including The Storyteller's Nashville (1979) and the novel, The Laughing Man of Woodmont (1982).

Tom was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in February 2008.

My favorite song of his is, "Old Dogs, Children, and Watermelon Wine. You can hear it playing in the background.

17 comments:

Beverly said...

I know Tom T. Hall's songs very well, from my youth.
I remember this song too.....

Ann said...

I remember singing Harper Valley all the time. Loved that song

Betty said...

I love his songs. The stories they tell are much more interesting than gloomy songs about lost love, etc.

Teresa said...

Oo, oo, do one on Chet Atkins!!!! My grandmother was a second cousin of his and he actually came to the outhouse dedication at Penn's Store. But I don't know all that much about him, personally. I love it when you post about KY folks - I always pass the info. on to Hubby and Daughter immediately.
love, teresa

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Tom's song, "I LOVE" is one of my fav's --and has been for years and years. Thanks for the info on him...

Great songs---all of them!!!
Hugs,
Betsy

Clara....in TN said...

Oh, I love him. I didn't know he was from KY. Love the Watermelon wine song.

Sylvia K said...

Great post, Judy! He is a very interesting and talented man. I'm familiar with many of his songs!
Have a great week!
Sylvia

Beth said...

Thanks for another interesting Kentucky post, Judy. I was familiar with Tom T. Hall's songwriting talents, but I had no idea he had written books. A very talented man.

I always liked Harper Valley P.T.A.

Grammyof13 said...

There is nothing he sings that would remotely be considered bad. I love his voice and his talent. Thanks for sharing.

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Being from the UK I can't say I know Tom, but he sounded a great man.
A most interesting post Judy.

Yvonne.

Dr.John said...

I liked the songs but paid little attention to the song writer. Thank you for sharing.

Dr.John said...

I liked the songs but paid little attention to the song writer. Thank you for sharing.

June Saville said...

I love Tom's 'Watermelon Wine' song ...
June in Oz

Kate said...

Great post Judy, I love his songs too - Thanks for posting about him-your state sure has and had a lot of interesting people .. Hugs Kate x.

patsy said...

I am a Tom T. Hall fan also.

Margaret Cloud said...

Judy, this is a very nice post, thanks for sharing. I also love that song "Old Dogs, Children, and watermelon wine" Thank you for those kind words about our special, we did have a nice time. Hope you have a great weekend.

Jamie Dawn said...

I didn't even know of this feller. I'm enjoying his music though.