An Often Overlooked Voice

Al Hibbler was born on this day in 1915. The only way I can describe him is “unique.” The reason? No one seems to know how to categorize his work. He’s been called an R&B singer, and some of his hits were just that. He’s also been called a jazz singer, but he really wasn’t. However, he did perform with some of the greatest jazz musicians in music. Finally he is referred to as a pop singer, which is probably the best description. Many people see his music as “the bridge” between R&B and traditional pop music.

The other reason I call him “unique” is because of the way he sings. I tried to think how to even explain it and came up with nothing. Thankfully, there are a few descriptions of his singing I found online. His style was described as “mannered”, “over-stated”, and “full of idiosyncrasies” and “bizarre vocal pyrotechnics.” Keep this in mind as you listen to a couple songs I’ll post at the end of this blog.

Al was born blind, but he didn’t let that stop him from chasing a dream. He auditioned to be a singer for Duke Ellington and his orchestra in 1935. He failed miserably. Afterward, he entered a Memphis talent show and won. This win paired him up with Dub Jenkins and his Playmates. Dub was a local bandleader and sax player. He was with him until 1942 when he joined another band headed up by jazz pianist Jay McShane. The following year, when Herb Jeffries left the Ellington band – Hibbler was named his replacement. He was considered “undoubtedly the best” of Ellington’s male vocalists.

He stayed with Duke until 1951 and left because of a dispute over his pay. He bounced from band to band and from label to label until he started recording for Decca Records in 1955. It was there that he released his biggest hit, his version of Unchained Melody.

It is a coincidence that today is Al’s birthday. Yesterday on my way into work I heard a Hibbler song I had never heard before. I was surprised by the song because it could easily have been considered a Gospel song. Original Billboard review: “Al Hibbler contributes a warm, sincere warbling job on an effective ballad with a strong sacred theme, similar to “I Believe”. Hibbler is a big favorite with deejays, and the disk should stir up some action in the R&B field as well as pop”.

It’s really beautiful. This is “He.”

In 1956, he had his last top ten record with my favorite Hibbler track – After The Lights Go Down Low. It is in this song that those descriptions of his singing (“mannered”, “over-stated”, and “full of idiosyncrasies” and “bizarre vocal pyrotechnics”) really ring true.

Al Hibbler passed away in Chicago in 2001 at age 85. His work is sadly overlooked and many have never even heard of him. The songs above don’t do him justice. He is definitely an artist who should be on your “Listen to List.” You won’t be disappointed.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Al!!