Minor Hall

The younger brother of fellow drummer Tubby Hall, Minor Hall was best-known for his longtime association with Kid Ory. He studied at New Orleans University until 1914 and then played his first professional job with Kid Ory. Hall freelanced with many groups (including the Superior Band) before moving to Chicago in 1918. He worked with Lawrence Duhe's band (replacing brother Tubby) before being drafted into the Army (1918-1919). Hall rejoined the group (which was now led by King Oliver) in 1921, playing two months in San Francisco before returning to Chicago. In 1926, he was with Jimmy Noone before returning to California and working with Mutt Carey's Jeffersonians (1927-1632). After a period playing with the Winslow Allen Band, some time spent outside of music, and a second six-month stint in the Army (1942), Hall became a fixture with Kid Ory's Creole Jazz Band (1945-1956) where his steady playing was a strong asset. He was a member of Ory's group until forced to retire due to ill health. Minor Hall, who never led his own recording session (but made several excellent records with Ory), appeared with Louis Armstrong and Kid Ory in the 1946 film New Orleans; he also recorded with Armstrong that year. ~ Scott Yanow