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| Hal Willis was born Leonald Gauthier in Rouyn, Quebec, the heart of the logging and mining country of Northwestern Quebec. By age nine, Hal was already singing lead in the school and church choirs and was the talk of the town for his God-given talent. Since Hal was French and at the time spoke very little English, he discovered that by writing the lyrics to a song phonetically he could sing the song in English even if he didn't know what the words meant.,,and with Hal's Never-Give-Up approach to life...his English improved dramatically. One fateful day, life changed drastically for Hal Willis. Ginger & The Melodie Rangers came to Rouyn to fulfill a two month performance contract at the then- plush St. Louis Hotel. Ginger met Hal and immediately hired him on the spot to sing in her band. With Ginger's tutoring, Hal's English kept improving, and soon he was able to record his first session for the famed Rodeo Records Label, in 1951. In 1956 Hal recorded his first session on Atlantic records and had an early Rock N' Roll hit with "My Pink Cadillac." That same year, Hank Snow introduced Hal and Ginger to Colonel Tom Parker, who immedialtely hired them to tour with then rising star, Elvis Presley..and provided them with instant recognition. Hal and Ginger , along with Hank Snow would go down in history as the only Canadian performers to have toured with Elvis. Through sheer persitence and determination, Hal Willis overcame "those little obstacles in life", and has gained the respect of all the people who have crossed his path. Plus.. he's a really nice guy. |
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| "The Gambler's Dance" |
| From The Poetry Collection Of Susan Jane Kahon |
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| Come on and do the Gambler's dance.. And if there's even the slightest chance.. To get to know a man's sly smile... Please sit, and linger, for awhile.. You might be "Game", you might not win.. But you'll never know, if you don't begin.. Reveal yourself, and roll the dice.. Take the risk, and don't think twice... A Gambler's life is never wrong.. When you play those cards just like a song.. Dive head first, into uncertainty... Cut that deck, and deal, with me..... I'm the man you think I want to be.. A Gambler's choice, for destiny... Tell me your tales with honest pride And I'll stay forever, by your side... Cut the deck, do it with flair!!!!! For I no longer play just solitaire... Gamble your life, live it today.. Or this King Of Hearts, will go away... Goodnight now, all you Gambler's queens When nightime comes, we're never seen A Gambler, though, will never roam For his lady's there when he comes home.. "Gambler's Dance" written by Susan Jane Kahon July 22, 2004 ICYU 4:57pm |
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