DEREK HALL
The purpose of this website is to act as a memorial to
an unsung but brilliant musician by the name of Derek Hall. Derek was
born in April 1944 and died in November 2019. Those of us who knew
him regarded him as one of the finest musicians on the folk scene
back in the 1960’s and 70’s. Although he never gained wide
recognition he could hold his own with, and was respected by, such
maestros as Davy Graham and John Renbourne.
On this website you will find the affectionate memories
of some of those who knew him and such photographs and recordings as
we have been able to locate.
Those who have made valuable contributions include:-
Alan Hall: Derek’s
older brother, who kindly provided some information about Derek’s
early life.
Brian Bull: Brian
ran the Imperial College Folk Club in London in the early sixties.
Derek was a regular singer at the club and recorded several tracks on
the two LPs produced by the club.
Mike Cooper: In the
late sixties Mike and Derek were resident artists at The Shades folk
club in Reading and they recorded a few tracks together.
Vincent Smith: Vince
lived near Derek after he had moved to Kendal in the seventies and
they shared an interest in music and musical instruments.
Rick Stokes: Rick
was inspired to begin playing guitar when he saw Derek perform at The
Shades and in later years he corresponded with Derek on numerous
occasions.