A Breath of Fresh Air Feb 27

John Hall is a founding member of the band Orleans and one of the main instigators of the No Nukes and MUSE (Musicians United for Safe Energy) movements. He’s been intimately involved in promoting social change and environmental advocacy, both as a private citizen and as an elected representative in Congress.

Born in 1942, in Whitby, England, ARTHUR BROWN stands as a pivotal figure in the annals of British rock.

Best known as the “God of Hellfire,” Brown rose to prominence in 1968 with his band, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, and their iconic hit “Fire.”

This era-defining track not only showcased his powerful vocals but also marked the beginning of a flamboyant and theatrical stage presence, setting him apart in the vibrant landscape of late ’60s music.

Brown’s impact transcended the immediate success of “Fire.” The band’s multimedia approach, combining intricate music, elaborate costumes, and dramatic lighting, showcased an avant-garde sensibility that influenced a generation of performers.

Post-“Fire,” Brown continued to evolve, exploring diverse musical genres, from blues to electronica, demonstrating a versatility that added depth to his artistic legacy.

Beyond the ’60s, Brown’s contributions extended into subsequent decades. His fearless exploration of musical boundaries, both as a solo artist and collaborator, solidified his status as an influential and innovative force in British rock.

While “Fire” remains a timeless classic, Arthur Brown’s enduring impact and musical journey make him a significant figure in the rich tapestry of rock history.

This week Arthur Brown joins us to share his incredible story.

John was studying piano at 5, playing French horn, guitar bass and drums by 12. He started playing in the clubs of Greenwich Village by 18 and at 21 wrote and directed music for a Broadway and Off-Broadway play. He then worked on numerous projects including Seals and Crofts’ album Down Home. He toured with Taj Mahal and when he came home, started the band that would become Orleans in 1972.

Moving to Woodstock NY with his wife Johanna, the pair began writing together. They had major hits ‘Dance With Me’ and ‘Still The One’, songs that have garnered 9 million terrestrial airplays and hundreds of millions of streams.

John has also co-written songs for Janis Joplin, Millie Jackson, Bonnie Raitt, Chaka Khan and Chet Atkins among others. He co-founded the group Musicians United for Safe Energy and helped organise the 1979 No Nukes concerts at Madison Square Garden. His song Power was its anthem, performed and recorded there by the Doobie Brothers with James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Graham Nash, Carly Simon, Nicolette Larson, Phoebe Snow, and many more. That song was also sung by Peter Paul and Mary, Pete Seeger and others. John’s guitar playing was featured on albums by Browne, Raitt, Carly Simon, Little Feat and more. In the 90s the John Hall Band recorded two LPs: Search Party and All Of The Above, which contained the AOR and MTV staple Crazy (Keep On Fallin’).

Environmental activism led John to serve on several boards. In 2006 he was elected to the US House of Representatives and also served on the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. Returning to private life in 2011, John continued to perform and record with Orleans and as a solo artist. During the pandemic, he wrote and recorded songs for his latest CD “Reclaiming My Time.”

Sandy Kaye
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