Al Hibbler (1995 Lifetime Achievement Award)
Born August 16, 1915 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Al was a very popular baritone singer in the 40’s and 50’s who rose to fame with the Duke Ellington band. His deep tone, distinctive phrasing and inflections were readily identifiable.
Blind since birth, Hibbler studied voice at the Conservatory for the Blind in Little Rock. He sang with local bands in Arkansas and Texas and in 1942 hooked up with Jay McShann’s band. His principal period of development was with Ellington from 1943 to 1951.
Hibbler left Ellington for a career as a single artist and in 1955 recorded the hit “Unchained Melody.” As a single artist he performed on numerous television programs and at festivals throughout the 60’s and 70’s.
Ah, thanks for the info.