Ellis Hall

Though he became blind at a young age, singer/songwriter Ellis Hall never lost his verve for making music and living life to the fullest.  A prolific artist based out of Los Angeles Hall can stretch his talents to create everything from commercial jingles to smash hit singles.      

Born in Savannah, Georgia, Hall moved to Boston at the age of five, where he began his musical career, and has been on a direct course for success ever since.  His first release as a solo artist was a version of the Motown smash from the 60's Every Little Bit Hurts.  His talents were showcased nationally and internationally with the Ellis Hall Group; opening for many top performers such as the Temptations, Earn Wind & Fire, Herbie Hancock, the Spinners and Natalie Cole.      

Hall was featured as lead vocalist on the debut hit single, What Does it Take, from Kenny G's multi-platinum Duotones album and joined the soul stirring hit group Tower of Power as lead vocalist and keyboardist, culminating that stint with his co-production and song-writing prowess on their album, Power.  He had enormous success as one of the California Raisins with the platinum album, The California Raisins Sing the Hit Songs, and a gold album, Christmas with the California Raisins.  He has also lent his vocals and/or performed with such diverse artists as James Taylor, Warren Hill, Huey Lewis and the News, Bo Diddley, Jason Scheff of Chicago, Stevie Wonder, and many others.      

Also adding to his credits are a series of movie and television soundtracks and a variety of international radio and television jingles.  He has appeared on numerous award-winning television shows such as The Wonder Years, New York Undercover, and NYPD Blue. Hall has also contributed songs to the animated films Chicken Run, Hercules, and Lion King II.  He has also appeared on screen as the organist in Big Momma's House with Martin Lawrence, performed in the Steven Spielberg movie Catch Me If You Can, and recorded a version of The Star Spangled Banner for the Jim Carrey comedy Bruce Almighty.      

Hall's latest project is the CD titled "Straight Ahead" on Ray Charles label Crossover Records.   Recently for the New Visionary Leadership Project, chaired by Camille Cosby, he performed You Don't Know Me to honor Mr. Charles at the Kennedy Center.