Lynden David Hall (7 May 1974 – 14 February 2006)[1] was an English singer, songwriter, arranger, and record producer who emerged during the late 1990s as part of the neo soul movement.[2] In 1999, he was the first UK performer ever voted "Best Male Artist" by the readers of Britain's Blues & Soul magazine. His debut album, Medicine 4 My Pain, spawned the UK hit singles singles "Do I Qualify" and "Sexy Cinderella".[3] In October 2003, Hall was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma; he died on 14 February 2006, aged 31.[4][5]

Lynden David Hall
Background information
Born(1974-05-07)7 May 1974
Wandsworth, South London, England
Died14 February 2006(2006-02-14) (aged 31)
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, arranger and record producer
Years active1997–2006

Life and career

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Born in Wandsworth, South London, England, he won the "best newcomer" accolade at the 1998 MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards.[4]

In 1999, he was the first UK performer ever voted "Best Male Artist" by the readers of Britain's Blues & Soul magazine. His debut album, Medicine 4 My Pain, as well as the singles "Do I Qualify" and "Sexy Cinderella", had an instant appeal to soul fans in the UK and elsewhere, but it was not until his work got remixed that he got his major breakthrough.

Hall appeared in the film Love Actually in 2003 as the lead singer of the surprise band that plays the Beatles' "All You Need Is Love" at the wedding of the characters played by Keira Knightley and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Two years later, he released his third studio album, In Between Jobs, on an independent label.

In October 2003, Hall was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma; he died on 14 February 2006, aged 31, from complications resulting from the stem cell transplant he received in January 2005. Hall was in remission at the time of his death.[3]

Shortly before he died, while in hospital in November 2005, Hall and his wife achieved their wish to help others suffering by putting on the successful Lynden's Wish concert at London's Jazz Café.[5][4]

Discography

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Albums

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Singles

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Year Title Chart Positions Album
UK
[6]
1997 "Sexy Cinderella" 45 Medicine 4 My Pain
"Do I Qualify?" 26
1998 "Crescent Moon" 45
"Sexy Cinderella" (C&J Remix) 17
1999 "Medicine 4 My Pain"
2000 "Forgive Me" 30 The Other Side
"Sleeping with Victor" 49
"Let's Do It Again" 69
"Lady Day (& John Coltrane)"
(Courtney Pine feat. Lynden David Hall)
144 Back in the Day
(Courtney Pine)
2005 "Day Off" / "Stay Faithful" In Between Jobs
2010 "Ma Foya"
(Michael Olatuja feat. Lynden David Hall)

References

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  1. ^ a b Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 241. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  2. ^ Perrone, Pierre (19 February 2006). "Lynden David Hall". The Independent. Archived from the original on 19 February 2006. Retrieved 13 February 2021.
  3. ^ a b Sullivan, Caroline, "Lynden David Hall -Gifted young singer who defined a British alternative to American R&B" (obituary), The Guardian, 17 March 2006.
  4. ^ a b c "Soul star dies after cancer fight". BBC News. 15 February 2006. Retrieved 13 February 2021.
  5. ^ a b Zendle, Miriam (15 February 2006). "Lynden David Hall dies of cancer at 31". Digital Spy. Retrieved 13 February 2021.
  6. ^ "Lynden David Hall". Official Charts. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
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