With a career spanning over 40 years, Ellis Hall has established himself as a seasoned vocalist, songwriter, arranger, producer, and educator. His vocal range spans an impressive five octaves, captivating audiences around the world. Ellis has had the privilege of sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Natalie Cole, Patti LaBelle, Herbie Hancock, George Benson, James Taylor, Sheila E., The Doobie Brothers, Michael McDonald, and Stevie Wonder to name a few. Ellis is a truly remarkable musician and performer, known for his exceptional talent, extensive collaborations, and numerous accolades. The fact that he has achieved all this while being visually impaired has made him an inspiration to many, proving that nothing can hinder true talent and determination.
Throughout his career, Ellis has had the privilege of performing for influential figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Rose Kennedy, Sharon Stone, Jamie Foxx, and the late Nelson Mandela. He even graced the stage of the 75th annual Academy Awards, performing music from the Oscar-winning film "Chicago" alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones and Queen Latifah. Ellis' musical journey began with his first professional recording in 1971, providing bass and background vocals for Paul Pena's single "The River" on Capitol Records. In 1973, he formed The Ellis Hall Group, gaining recognition as a dynamic live act and earning praise from legends like Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire. The group went on to open for renowned soul and R&B artists such as the Temptations and the Spinners. His talent caught the attention of Emilio Castillo, the leader of Tower of Power, who was left astounded by Ellis' performance when The Ellis Hall Group opened for them. Emilio repeatedly urged Ellis to join the band, and after moving to California in the early '80s, Ellis finally accepted the invitation, becoming a member of the iconic soul/funk band. This collaboration is documented in the release "Power."
Following his time with Tower of Power, Ellis embarked on a thriving career as a session musician and featured artist. He worked with notable musicians like Carl Anderson and Kenny G, achieving a Top 15 R&B hit with his remake of "What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)." Ellis also made significant contributions to the world of film, lending his soulful voice to soundtracks of movies like "The Lion King 2," "Shrek 2," and "Chicken Run." He even showcased his acting skills in films such as "Big Momma's House" and "Catch Me If You Can."
A pivotal moment in Ellis' career came when he met his greatest inspiration, Ray Charles, at a Christmas party in 2001. Ray recognized Ellis' immense talent and signed him to his Cross Over Records label, mentoring him at his renowned RPM Studios. Although Ray passed away before the release of Ellis' record, he imparted invaluable wisdom, encouraging Ellis to embark on the Symphony Show circuit. Ellis took this advice to heart and has since performed with prestigious 81-piece orchestras worldwide, including the Pittsburgh Symphony with Marvin Hamlisch conducting, The Boston Pops and the Hollywood Bowl just to name a few.
Ellis Hall's contributions to music and entertainment have not gone unnoticed. He received the Lifetime Achievement award at the GA Music Awards in 2014 and the prestigious Phoenix Award from the city of
Atlanta, Georgia. He has been honored at the PVIFF-Peachtree Village International Film Festival and has been featured in various UNDOC compilations.
In September 2021, Ellis released the highly anticipated album "Let's Make an Arrangement," collaborating with longtime friend and former Tower of Power bandmate Stephen "Doc" Kupka. The album has received widespread acclaim as Ellis’s star keeps on rising.
