TOM T. HALL

by Lisa English

When thought of, the state of Kentucky brings to mind many pictures, such as horses, mountains, small towns, friendly people, and country music. When country music writers come up in conversation, Tom T. Hall is usually at the top of the list. Hall was born in Olive Hill, Kentucky. He lived and grew up in that small community. Tom T. Hall has always been blessed with musical and literary talent. He was four years old when he began playing the guitar and wrote his first song when he was nine (Kiser 30).

Hall went into the Army for a while, and when he finished his time there he worked as a radio copy writer in Roanoke, Virginia (Kiser 30). He attended Roanoke College on the GI Bill, and his dream was to become a journalist or novelist (Campbell 7). Although Hall did not plan on it, he was first recognized for his songwriting talents at Roanoke College. After this recognition, he moved to Nashville to begin a full-time song-writing career. At first, in order to get his songs recorded, Hall had to sing them himself (Campbell). Hall's career took off strongly. "I Washed My Face in the Morning Dew" was his first single, and it became a top ten hit. His most popular hit, "Harper Valley PTA," was sung by Jeannie C. Riley. It sold over six million copies, won the Single of the Year Award and the 1968 Grammy for Song of the Year (Kiser 31).

According to Thelma Kiser's article, "A Native Son Comes Back Home," Tom T. Hall has recorded 33 albums and won several awards including "Songwriter of the Year" for three consecutive years and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (Kiser 31). Tom T. Hall's popularity is also evident by the number of television shows he has appeared on, including the Today Show, Good Morning America, Hee Haw, the Dean Martin Show, and the Grand Ole Opry (Kiser 31).

Tom T. Hall's writing is not limited to songwriting. He has also established a literary career as well. Hall has written six books including The Laughing Man of Woodmont Coves, Spring Hill, Tennessee, Acts of Life, Christmas and the Old House, The Storyteller's Nashville, and The Songwriter's Handbook.

Tom T. Hall is a down-to-earth country boy, and his works address about traditional values. In the children's book, Christmas and the Old House, Hall sends a message to young children. He points out the importance of Jesus and making Christianity a part of life. The story is centered around two young playmates, Bobby and Brenda. They find an old deserted house. In the house a tree has grown up through the floor. The children are not supposed to play up there, but they make a secret plan to decorate the tree for Christmas, which is Jesus' birthday. They are about to put a note under the tree for Jesus when they see an old man. The children are frightened and run home. The man is the person who used to live in the house. He finds the tree and the note and takes it to the children's parents. The children are scolded for disobeying their parents, but they are praised for their loving gesture for Jesus.

The story reminds the reader of the innocence of childhood. The warm hearts of the children and their willingness to do something good is a quality that many young children possess before innocence is lost. Hall, in a sense, is making a statement about what a "good girl or boy" should do. His characters are very positive and therefore send off positive images to young readers. He does not include any kind of evil or violence in the story that may corrupt the children. It is obvious through Hall's story and its characters that he wants to be a positive role model for children.

Brenda and Bobby's parents are depicted as the responsible adults who try to set good examples for their children and teach the difference between right and wrong. They scold them for lying; they praise them for their thoughtfulness. They even make sure that the children wear their coats out to play. The parents are typical all-American parents who take care of their children and try to bring them up right. Hall seems to be incorporating his idea of what good parents are.

Although, to children, Christmas and the Old House may just be a story, there are some deeper ideas beneath the surface. Hall concentrates on traditional family values and is careful to create positive characters in his story. He seems to have a great concern for children and for humanity in general.

Tom T. Hall may be most famous for his songwriting abilities, which is where most of his success lies, but he has also branched onto the literary scene. He has earned much recognition and several awards for his talent, whether it be songwriting or literary. He can be seen as and inspiration to people for his hard work and dedication. Tom T. Hall is more than just a songwriter. He is a man who has compassion for other people and has managed to hold on to his values. He is a true Kentuckian.

Campbell, Mary. "Tom T. Hall Grew Up In Kentucky." Richmond Daily Reporter 20 Feb. 1974: 7.

Kiser, Thelma. "A Native Son Comes Back Home." Back Home in Kentucky Mar/Apr 1991: 30-3.

by Lisa English

Christmas and the Old House. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree, 1989.

The Laughing Man of Woodmont Coves. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1982.

The Songwriter's Handbook. Nashville, TN: Rutledge Hill, 1987.

The Storyteller's Nashville. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1979.

Spring Hill, Tennessee. Atlanta, GA: Longstreet, 1990.