Tom T. Hall was a Country Music Hall of Fame singer-songwriter called “The Storyteller” who wrote “Harper Valley PTA.”
- Died: Friday, August 20, 2021. (Who else died on August 20?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 85.
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“The Storyteller”
Tom T. Hall was a country music singer-songwriter nicknamed “The Storyteller” for his songs which brought his characters to life with humor. He was given the nickname by country music legend Tex Ritter, John Ritter’s father. Hall found success as a songwriter in Nashville writing a number one country song “Hello Vietnam” for Johnnie Wright in 1965. Shortly after, he signed to Mercury Records and released his own solo music. He wrote the international pop crossover hit “Harper Valley PTA” which was recorded by Jeannie C. Riley in 1968. The anthem about a single mom inspired a movie and TV-series starring Barbara Eden. Hall was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and was named in Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 greatest songwriters.
Notable Quote
“Art moves this way,” he said in 2010, pointing forward. “If you’re doing it the way they used to do it, that’s copying. It’s already been done. … Do it your way, and have some fun.” – Tennessean
Tributes to Tom T. Hall
Full obituary: Tennessean
