Memphis Loses a Cultural Icon: Historian and Enthusiast Ron Hall Dies at 73
Memphis, TN. – With some individuals, their passion for their city and its culture makes them somewhat irreplaceable fixtures in their communities. Such is the case with Ron Hall, a beloved historian, lover of Memphis rock, wrestling, and pop culture, who passed away at the age of 73.
A Love Story with Memphis
From his teenage years until his passing, Hall lived and breathed everything Memphis. His enthusiasm for his hometown never diminished or disengaged from the thrill of attending garage rock concerts at Frayser Skateland or playing with his teen band, the 13th Muse. He was as much a part of the city’s pop culture scene as the garage bands, the rock ‘n’ roll stars, the TV wrestlers, and the myriad other innovators, artists, eccentrics, and oddballs who filled his beloved local scene.
Accomplishments and Contributions
Through his life, Hall held many dream jobs representative of the pulse of Memphis during his generation. His repertoire included driving a popsicle truck, playing in bands, booking concerts, being a deejay and record collector, a researcher, and an author. His contributions to Memphis are immortalized via CD anthologies, a documentary, a radio show, and several heavily researched and lavishly illustrated books chronicling the city’s rich cultural history.
Leaving a Legacy
His death intensified the loss for an international community of Memphis pop-culture experts. Hall’s passion for the music scene of his time, his deep-dive research, tireless efforts to bring noteworthy musicians out of obscurity, and enthusiasm for his home city inspired others around him.
Memphis Rocks: A Concert History
In the introduction to his scrapbook-style 2014 book “Memphis Rocks: A Concert History 1955-1985“, Hall traced his live music enthusiasm back to a 1968 concert by the Scottish folk-rock artist Donovan at Downtown’s old Ellis Auditorium. He wrote: “Even though Donovan sat on a bed of flowers while he did his set, I was hooked.” These moments of cultural awakening were ones that Hall would continue to treasure and share with others throughout his life.
The Loss of a Pop-Culture Evangelist
Hall’s most significant contribution to Memphis arguably happened decades after the rock ‘n’ roll high tide when he became a tireless advocate of local music and culture, sharing his passion through various projects. His meticulous atomic-level examinations of Memphis’ musical history, garage bands, and fraternal bands played a pivotal role in piecing together and preserving the city’s cultural threads.
Remembering The Man
Despite his significant accomplishments, Hall was not just a historian but a husband, father, and grandfather. His wife, Sue Valle Hall, quoted his first words to her: “I’m in love and I’m going to marry you!” Together, they built a family that survived him to celebrate his memory and continue his legacy.
The Echo of a Resounding Legacy
Ron Hall’s death heavily impacted the Memphis community and beyond. His role as a positive influencer in the realm of music and pop culture will not be forgotten. As Robert Gordon, an author and film-maker stated, “Ron’s work really fleshed out Memphis’ musical history“. Hall leaves behind him a city forever grateful for his continual defragmentation, glorification, and commemoration of its rich, unique history.
His funeral mass will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, where he was an active member. Donations in his memory can be made to the church’s Mother Cabrini Circle, ensuring that his love for the culture and community of Memphis will continue to resonate every day.
