Born: 6-Nov-1948
Birthplace: Chicago, IL

Gender: Female
Race or Ethnicity: White
Sexual orientation: Straight
Occupation: Musician, Author

Nationality: United States
Executive summary: The voice of Brasil '66

Lani Hall first came to be known to the public at large when she joined the second Brasil project of Bossa Nova master Sergio Mendes, Brasil '66. Unlike the previous incarnation, Brasil '66 was an instant success -- making a significant impact on the charts with its first single, a version of the Brazilian song Mais Que Nada. Much of the song's appeal was due to the distinctive, multi-tracked vocals of Hall (who, being at the time a non-Portuguese speaker, had to learn the lyrics phonetically). A series of popular interpretations followed, including their take on The Beatles' Fool on the Hill and Burt Bacharach's The Look of Love. The band frequently toured alongside A&M labelmates (and label founder) Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, no doubt providing plenty of opportunity for Hall and Herb Alpert to get acquainted; she would leave Brasil '66 in 1971, but marry Alpert in 1973.

With her husband assuming production and arranging duties, Hall subsequently embarked on a solo career, beginning with 1972's Sun Down Lady and following up with Hello It's Me in 1975. A new album would appear nearly every year until 1985's Es Facil Amar, for which Hall would be awarded a Grammy for Best Latin Pop Performance. Her albums maintained their popularity primarily in the Latin market, but some mainstream presence was kept, particularly with her contribution of the title song to the James Bond film Never Say Never Again in 1983.

Apart from occasional appearances on Alpert's records, Hall retired from recording after 1985, concentrating instead on raising her daughter. During this time she also started to pursue fiction writing, as well as taking on the production and editing of a TV program about her husband. A return to her solo career was made in 1998 with the release of Brasil Nativo on the Windham Hill label.

Husband: Herb Alpert (musician, m. 1973)

    High School: Bateman High School, Chicago, IL

    Brasil '66 Vocalist (1966-71)
    Grammy Best Latin Pop Performance (1985)

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