Henry Hall

My Dad used to talk about Henry Hall; and a great old bloke on Radio Nottingham used to play his 78s on ‘The Golden Years’ on a Sunday lunchtime. So, it’s only right we should know why he means so much to so many. Henry was one of the leading figures in the Dance Band era, starting out in the Salvation Army, through a spell in the Forces, moving though some respectable gigs in cinemas and hotels, before growing his reputation and influence; and also issuing some records too.

Henry Hall started at the BBC in 1932. A telegram came from Savoy Hill, Auntie’s home back then, and off duly trotted Henry to see Mister Cock, who offered him a job. No second ‘Boards’ back then. Oh no. He promptly took over from Jack Payne as leader of the BBC Dance Orchestra. As BH sees titivation in the 21st Century, it’s interesting to think back that Henry’s first BBC broadcast almost coincided with smell of fresh gloss at the official opening of the elegant new Broadcasting House in Portland Place.

This was a time when radio was telly, and the shiny valve sets were stared at in the corner of the lounge by blokes in jackets smoking pipes. A radio programme back then was an appointment to listen, and live music was the norm. Henry and his Band did Drivetime- entertaining the Country every night at 5.15. Like all respectable shows back then, it had a beginning, middle and an end. The opening signature tune was ‘It's Just the Time for Dancing’, which presumably it was; and as Henry retired each night, the Band played, ‘Here's to the Next Time’ (as you can hear on this audio).