Overton, Hall (F.) (Bangor, MI, 23 Feb 1920 - New York, 24 Nov 1972)

Composer and pianist

He began composing while still in high school and later studied at the Juilliard School (1947-51) and took private lessons with Wallingford Riegger and Darius Milhaud. While serving in the army (1942-5) he developed great skill as a jazz improviser, and later played with such musicians as Stan Getz, Oscar Pettiford, Teddy Charles, and Jimmy Raney. He also wrote arrangements for Thelonious Monk's orchestra (The Thelonious Monk Orchestra at Town Hall, 1959, Riverside 1138) and contributed articles to Down Beat and Jazz Today. His own music was deeply influenced by jazz, but without his trying to make jazz "respectable" through the unnatural imposition of classical forms or materials.

Oliver Daniel

The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz, © Macmillan Reference Ltd 1988