Al Hibbler (August 16, 1915 - April 24, 2001) was an American vocalist with several pop hits. He is best known for his million-selling recording of "Unchained Melody" (1955). Once described by Duke Ellington as "our major asset", the bandleader was referring to Hibbler's deep-toned, dramatic vocal style, with its heavy vibrato. "You could drive a truck through that vibrato," said one musician. It brought Hibbler and the band considerable popular ...
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Al Hibbler (August 16, 1915 - April 24, 2001) was an American vocalist with several pop hits. He is best known for his million-selling recording of "Unchained Melody" (1955). Once described by Duke Ellington as "our major asset", the bandleader was referring to Hibbler's deep-toned, dramatic vocal style, with its heavy vibrato. "You could drive a truck through that vibrato," said one musician. It brought Hibbler and the band considerable popular acclaim. He achieved national prominence in the United States with the Ellington orchestra in the mid 1940s and went on to build a substantial career, which included continuing involvement with jazz musicians.
Born Albert Hibbler in Tyro, Mississippi, he was blind from birth. He was the third of five children of farmers Hubert Hibbler, Sr., and Lucy (Propst) Hibbler, and he added the middle name George as a child because he liked the way it sounded. Hibbler's parents sold their farm in the early 1920s and moved from Mississippi to Dell,...
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