Barrie Lee Hall
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Barrie Lee Hall who died today at 61. Hall was a musical icon not just in Houston, but the world over. Duke Ellington hand-picked the young trumpeter to join his trumpet section while Hall was still in college. He went on to lead Ellington’s band, win Grammy’s, tour the world, and do incredible work archiving Ellington’s collection. He was also an in-demand sideman working with Kenny Garrett, Patti La Belle and many others.
I played in Barrie’s band in 1987. We had a steady gig every Sunday afternoon at a forgettable club called Panache. Despite the surroundings, he showed up to play! You could hear the influence of his idols — Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, and Miles — but he had a sound that was uniquely his own too. He inspired me, mentored me, and blew my mind each week with the most inspiring, soulful solos I’ve ever heard. I am so grateful for that experience and for knowing him all the years since.
Barrie Lee Hall: Legend. May you rest in peace friend.
Condolences to Barrie’s amazing wife Lula in her time of grief. Remembrances are being shared on the JazzHouston forum.
[...] Today we lost another giant. Jazz In Peace. I'm deeply saddened by the passing of Barrie Lee Hall who died today at 61. Hall was a musical icon not just in Houston, but the world over. Duke Ellington hand-picked the young trumpeter to join his trumpet section while Hall was still in college. He went on to lead Ellington's band, win Grammy's, tour the world, and do incredible work archiving Elli … Read More [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Derek Sonnier and Pin Lim, Jazzhouston.com. Jazzhouston.com said: RIP Barrie Lee Hall (from Andrew Lienhard) http://andrewlienhard.com/2011/01/24/rip-barrie-lee-hall/ http://fb.me/TJXn5Vd5 [...]
Barrie, may you rest in peace, and when you start playing with the other guys, Duke, John, Miles, Lee Morgan and so on up there, may your sweetness and harmony tough us mare mortals. May God guide you.
Jayare, thank you for such a beautiful tribute to my dearest brother. I miss him already and will have many videos, music, photos and warm memories to keep me going until we meet again. Thank you again and thanks for your friendship my dear friend…
I played with Barrie years ago when the Ellington band performed Queenie Pie in Washington DC. Not only was an inspiring musician but he was a great guy and a pleasure to hang out with. He was very kind and encouraging to me. I will miss him and I will never forget him. Rest in peace, Brother.
Oh yes, I remember Queenie Pie… Thanks for the memories…
There were some truly beautiful tributes made last night at Barrie’s Tuesday night big band rehearsal. Lula spoke at length about her life-long love. It was amazing to be there as she walked around the room speaking so passionately and so eloquently about her life, about meeting Barrie at age 16, about the whole journey! There wasn’t a dry eye in the joint!
The jam/memorial is next Friday (2/4), location TBA. The funeral will be the following day. I’ll post more info as I get it.
To friends and family of Barrie Lee Hall Jr. from Lula E. Baker-Hall…
On February 4, 2011 Friday @
12 noon
Barry will be ready for the first goodbye
At McCoy Harrison Funeral Home
4918 MLK Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77021
713-659-7618
Flowers could be sent to the funeral home…
February 4, 2011 at 7:30pm a memorial jam session with the Conrad Johnson Orchestra “The Big Blue Sound” directed by James William Jr. and Feb 5, 2011 Saturday at 9am-11am “Last Chance to Say Goodbye Barrie” celebration begins at 11am February 5, 2011.
Place: Sheepfold Church of God in Christ, Pastor Larry C. Baker Jr.
Address: 518 West Rittenhouse
Exit West Littleyork, make u-turn heading towards downtown 1st street is West Rittenhouse turn right and the church is on the right. 713-697-9087 see you there!
Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers…
Lula E. Baker-Hall Barrie Lee Hall’s Wife
Please share this information if possible. Thank you!
Thanks — I got it listed on JazzHouston in both the forum on and on the home page.
Thank you so much for sharing….
Barrie will surely be missed. A legend in his own time. Barrie was an humble, yet a mighty man and it showed when he played his trumpet. You could not sit still when his trumpet sounded, because it touched the inner soul. Gifted, God loving and a man who this family will miss. We thank God for allowing us to listen and enjoy your gift which could only come from God. We will miss you. Lula we love you always and forever.
Thanks for the memories of the days we were in the Worthing Colt High School Band. Remember the night and the next day at school when we finally beat Wheatly.
I just uploaded this clip of Barrie and Anita from a show we did in the 80′s:
Awesome! Getting ready to see it now… I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Moore when we (Barrie, Anita and I) attend a concert performed from the late Phyllis Hyman…
That was Awesome Lonnie, thanks for sharing!!!
My family and I will miss Barrie Lee Hall; he was one of the musicians that performed at Liberty Baptist Church when it was located on Holman Street. Barrie was part of a group that often performed with Myron Jackson at Liberty Baptist and other engagements. I enjoyed talking with Barrie off the stage; he was great guy on and off the stage very approachable. Unfortunately, I had to hear about his passing through reading the spring edition of Inside TSU Now. I would have loved to attend the Barrie’s home going celebration. If there was a band in Heaven, Barrie would get first chair. My God bless Barrie’s family, we all will miss Barrie.
Thank you for your kind words. I miss my big brother so very much. Not a day goes by without me thinking of him. I had a bad habit of staying up late until 2:30-3am and Barrie always knew when to call me or SKYPE me. Barrie was the oldest of 7 and I was the youngest we were buddies and he was the best big brother a girl could ever have. I remember Barrie talking about the church job and he truly enjoyed working that gig. I am looking forward to seeing him again. He is mother and if you think Barrie was good on the trumpet, mother was awesome on the piano and vocals so I know they are performing for our KING! God bless and keep you George.