Tubby Hall

The older brother of the fine drummer Minor Hall, Tubby Hall started playing in New Orleans with the Crescent Orchestra in 1914. After performing with the Eagle Band, the Silver Leaf Orchestra and other notable local groups, Hall moved to Chicago where he played briefly with Lawrence Duhe's band in 1918 before being drafted. After his discharge, Hall performed with Carroll Dickerson's Orchestra for several years (recording with it in 1927) and also worked at various times with King Oliver, Tiny Parham and Boyd Atkins. His later associations included 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.