Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry Members Remember Tom T. Hall

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Tom T. Hall. Photo: Courtesy Robert K. Oermann

Following the news of the passing of Tom T. Hall over the weekend, members of the country music family began sharing condolences and remembrances of the beloved and prolific artist and writer who fondly became known as “The Storyteller.”

“I’m devastated at the loss of one of my oldest friends of 57 years, Tom T. Hall. We were more than friends, he called me ‘Brother Bob’ and we had so much in common. We were both from the same part of the country with a similar childhood – but he was a brilliant storytelling songwriter, a trait I always recognized and admired. I think I recorded more Tom T. Hall songs than anyone! I just miss him a whole lot, there will never be another,” said Bobby Bare, fellow Country Music Hall of Fame member, Grand Ole Opry member and friend for over six decades.

“I was saddened to hear of Tom T. Hall’s passing. I loved him,” said Ricky Skaggs. “He was a great Kentuckian with a heart of gold. He was a kind and gentle man. Lots of people come to Nashville to write songs, but Tom T. came to tell stories. These stories are everyone’s story. They are America’s story. Now he can truly say, ‘me and Jesus have our own thing going.’”

“What a great loss, what a great storyteller, and what a nice man. We’ll miss you, Tom,” said Ray Stevens.

“Tom T. Hall was a great storyteller, artist, poet, friend and especially husband to the great love of his life, Miss Dixie. The only comfort I have in this loss is the idea they’re reunited tonight in heaven,” said Ronnie Milsap.

“I worked with Tom on several occasions, and he was always a gentleman. He was a very interesting songwriter and a fun person to be around. He contributed a great deal to country music and he got to live a full life,” said Don McLean.

“Back in 1978 when we sang at Mama Maybelle Carter’s funeral a saddened and shaken Johnny Cash walked up to the podium and asked Tom T. Hall to stand with him… Johnny said, “I draw strength from you, Tom!” Thank you Tom T. Hall for the songs and the strength you provided to so many … Rest Easy now and draw strength from the loving arms of Jesus… until the day,” said Joe Bonsall, The Oak Ridge Boys.

“Tom T. was one funny human being. He gave me a bull 35 years ago. He wrote me a note explaining his gift of the bull. ‘Larry my young friend, I’m mighty fond of this old bull because he’s got a bad knee, and that’s what kept me out of the Army.’ Kinda funny considering the fact that he joined the Army and later he performed for our military personnel all over the world. Yes, my friend Tom T. was one funny human being. One genuine, good human being and one of the very best wordsmiths on the planet. REST IN PEACE, my friend. Steve and Rudy didn’t get a bull but they loved old Tom T. too,” said Larry Gatlin.

“Another good friend, another legend, Tom T. Hall has left us! Tom T. was a true songwriter, The Storyteller was a great nickname for him because he really was the epitome of that. I am so glad I got to know this wonderful man. May he Rest In Peace and God Bless his family,” said Jerry Lee Lewis.

“Tom T. was the ultimate storyteller. His songwriting had the ability to make you see a story unfolding in your head. Such a unique and incredibly talented man. He will be missed,” said John Anderson.

“Tom T. Hall one of my favorite songwriters, two of my favorite songs are ‘I Like Beer and ‘Shoeshine Man!’ Of course the masterpiece was ‘Harper Valley PTA,’ what an awesome song. He will be missed,” said Mickey Gilley.

“One of my heroes. An artist for all the ages!,” said Randy Owen of ALABAMA.

“It is difficult to believe the Storyteller of our time is gone, his stories have been told and that is so hard to imagine, as we all want to hear more.  If you listen to “I Love” you know Tom T,  and you also know that’s why HE was loved so much. He reminded us that those little things were so special, like little baby ducks. One of the treasures that I regret losing in the flood was a handwritten note to me from Tom T. for the ‘recipes’ I had written for the Animal Land Cookbook. He said it was a gift to be able to make someone laugh in one paragraph and cry in the next, and he should know because he did that often. The treasure I regret losing most of all is Tom T. Hall as he was truly a gift. It helps to know that today he is reunited with Miss Dixie and all the dogs they’ve ever loved,” said Jeannie Seely.

“Another good friend, another legend, Tom T. Hall has left us! Tom T. was a true songwriter, The Storyteller was a great nickname for him because he really was the epitome of that. I am so glad I got to know this wonderful man. May he Rest In Peace and God Bless his family,” said Jerry Lee Lewis.

 

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Lorie Hollabaugh
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