Biography
Tubby Hall, older brother to the fine drummer Minor Hall, began his career performing in New Orleans with the Crescent Orchestra in 1914. Engagements with the Eagle Band, the Silver Leaf Orchestra, and other notable local groups preceded his move to Chicago, where a brief period with Lawrence Duhe's band in 1918 ended with his being drafted. Following discharge, Hall spent several years in Carroll Dickerson's Orchestra, which he joined for a 1927 recording date, and at various times worked alongside King Oliver, Tiny Parham, and Boyd Atkins. Later associations brought him together with Louis Armstrong (recording with his big band in 1931-32), Johnny Dodds, and Jimmie Noone (making records with the clarinetist in 1936 and 1940). Otherwise Tubby Hall, who did not head any record sessions of his own, freelanced and occasionally led his own groups.