John Hall, award-winning musician and citizen activist, former county legislator and school board president, 35 year member of Local 802, A.F. of M and AFTRA, has announced his candidacy for United States Congress in New York's 19th Congressional District.

John Hall was born in Baltimore, MD, to James A. Hall (PhD. in electrical engineering) and Marie W. Hall (Masters in English and Divinity). He grew up in Elmira, NY, where he attended both Catholic and public schools. During his three years at Notre Dame High School, he was selected for three National Science Foundation summer programs at Assumption College in Worcester, MA. Skipping his senior year, John went to Notre Dame University at age 16 with plans to major in physics.

Meanwhile, music had been calling John since he was four years old. He started formal piano studies after his parents noticed him playing the Marine's Hymn with both hands. With classical theory guiding his instincts, John went on to study French horn, play organ in church, and teach himself guitar, bass and drums.

After studying at Notre Dame and Loyola College of Baltimore, John began his professional music career in the clubs of Washington DC and New York City. He now looks back on a thirty-five year career during which he has recorded eighteen albums and CDs, written and directed music for Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. He has played guitar for, produced, and/or written songs for Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, Chaka Khan, Ricky Skaggs, Chet Atkins, Steve Wariner, Bobby McFerrin, Linda Ronstadt, the Doobie Brothers and James Taylor. He is perhaps best known for his work with the band Orleans, of which he is a founding member. John co-authored their hits "Still The One" and "Dance With Me," which have been certified for over four million airplays each in the U.S. alone.

Read more...