Musician. He was a "Big Band" era entertainer. He performed in ballrooms across the country and on radio and recorded such songs as "Sioux City Sue," "Heartaches," "I'll Sail My Ship Alone," "Who's Sorry Now," "Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue" and hundreds of others. Hill made over 95 recordings on six different labels. His masterpiece is considered his first recording in 1939, "Angry." With the nickname "Tiny," the 365-pound Hill used sandpaper blocks to generate for radio listeners a double-shuffle beat that was great for dancing. He also employed for the radio audience a gourd device called a guiro with grooves cut into the sides that were struck with a stick or coat hanger to produce a scratching sound for a beat for dancing. After graduating from high school with honors, he attended Illinois State Normal School for two years, but with the lack of funding, did not graduate. Eventually, he joined bands as a drummer and vocalist. In 1931 Hill formed his first big band, which was known as the "Fat Man's Band." He continued to perform with a band even after the end of the Big Band Era. His final public performance was to a "Sold Out" audience in Emden, Illinois on July 17, 1971, months before his death.
Musician. He was a "Big Band" era entertainer. He performed in ballrooms across the country and on radio and recorded such songs as "Sioux City Sue," "Heartaches," "I'll Sail My Ship Alone," "Who's Sorry Now," "Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue" and hundreds of others. Hill made over 95 recordings on six different labels. His masterpiece is considered his first recording in 1939, "Angry." With the nickname "Tiny," the 365-pound Hill used sandpaper blocks to generate for radio listeners a double-shuffle beat that was great for dancing. He also employed for the radio audience a gourd device called a guiro with grooves cut into the sides that were struck with a stick or coat hanger to produce a scratching sound for a beat for dancing. After graduating from high school with honors, he attended Illinois State Normal School for two years, but with the lack of funding, did not graduate. Eventually, he joined bands as a drummer and vocalist. In 1931 Hill formed his first big band, which was known as the "Fat Man's Band." He continued to perform with a band even after the end of the Big Band Era. His final public performance was to a "Sold Out" audience in Emden, Illinois on July 17, 1971, months before his death.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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"Forgotten quickly by many, remembered forever by a few."
Gravesite Details
Marker does not document birth date.
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