Al Hibbler

by John Bush
Not just a distinctive singer but a true vocal wonder, Al Hibbler featured with Duke Ellingtons Orchestra throughout the 1940s and recorded a few hits (Unchained Melody, After the Lights Go Down Low, He) on his own for Decca and Atlantic during the 1950s and 60s. His frequent use of a Cockney accent and non-subtle growling techniques kept listeners on their toes though, far from a novelty act, Hibblers voice was strong, emotive and masculine, with a steady vibrato that carried every record he made.
Born blind in Mississippi, he began singing early on and sang soprano in the choir of a school for the blind after moving to Little Rock at the age of 12. Inspired by lush ballad singers like Bing Crosby and Russ Columbo, Hibblers voice soon deepened and he began singing the blues at area roadhouses. After winning a talent contest in Memphis, he joined Jay McShann and His Orchestra in 1942 and debuted with Duke Ellingtons Orchestra just one year later, replacing Herb Jeffries. One of the most important singers Ellington ever showcased, Hibbler appeared on a range of Ellington standards including Do Nothin Til You Hear from Me, Aint Got Nothin But the Blues, Dont Be So Mean to My Baby and Im Just a Lucky So-And-So. He spent a total of eight years with Ellingtons band, finally leaving in 1951 after Ellington refused to raise his salary by $50.
After quickly signing to Verve, Hibbler continued to record with excellent musicians (Harry Carney, Count Basie, Gerald Wilson) for his initial solo work, and in 1954 released an LP of old favorites entitled Al Hibbler Sings Duke Ellington. One year later, he signed a big contract with Decca and hit the pop charts in a big way with two million-selling singles, Unchained Melody and He, spotlighting his idiosyncratic (to say the least) delivery, which veered from growling vocals to a carefully studied, almost Cockney accent only occasionally enforced. In 1956, Hibbler hit the Top Ten again with After the Lights Go Down Low, but it proved to be his last hit.
By the late 50s, Hibbler had begun taking an interest in the civil-rights movement. While other major artists gave generously to the cause, Hibbler actually marched with protestors and was arrested twice, once in New Jersey in 1959 and again in Alabama in 1963 (after he led an anti-segregation protest). Though the major labels backed away from the potential controversy of owning his contract, Hibbler did gain support from an important source — Frank Sinatra signed him to Reprise and released an LP, Monday Every Day, in 1961. Hibbler recorded very sparingly after that. He collaborated with Rahsaan Roland Kirk on a 1972 LP for Atlantic (A Meeting of the Times), but resurfaced only occasionally during the 1980s and 90s for recordings or special performances.