In Loving Memory of Carol Hall (1936–2018)

Carol Hall, a luminous voice in American musical theater, left an indelible mark on Broadway and beyond. Celebrated for her keen wit, lyrical elegance, and profound empathy, she brought stories and characters to life with songs that resonate across generations. From her enduring work on The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas to her heartfelt contributions to cabaret and children's music, Carol’s artistry touched audiences with humor, warmth, and insight. This page honors her life, her music, and the legacy she leaves behind—a testament to a gifted lyricist whose words continue to inspire and delight.

Split image of Carol Hall with a black-and-white photo of a smiling young girl on the left and a color photo of an older woman with short hair smiling and resting her chin on her hand on the right.
A close-up image of a computer keyboard with a pinkish-beige color scheme.

Watch The Memorial

On September 23, 2019, the New York Times Center hosted a memorial concert in celebration of Carol Hall’s life and music. The evening brought together old and new friends to honor her legacy by sharing her songs and stories. Performers included Leonard Majzlin, Steven Lutvak, Sally Mayes, Marta Sanders, Bob Stillman, Bobby Gosh, Stephen Schwartz, Andrew Lippa, Susannah Blinkoff, Becky Ann Baker, Gretchen Cryer, Rick Jensen, Lesley Majzlin, KT Sullivan, Daniel Blinkoff, Maureen Brennan, Lumiri Tubo, and Julie Gold.

The program was guided by music director Jeffrey Klitz, with Robert Renino, Justin Rothberg, and Shane Del Robles as musicians, and Christine Cornell, Alexis Hightower, and Michael Protacio providing backing vocals. It was a moving tribute filled with song, memory, and gratitude for Carol’s lasting impact.

A young Carol Hall with shoulder-length, wavy hair, playing the piano indoors near a large window with multiple panes, with trees visible outside.

All our days on earth are measures,

All we ever have is what we learn to give…

If we’re wise we look for treasures,

Every single, breathing moment that we live…

from “I’ll Imagine You a Song”

Impact

Carol Hall’s influence extends far beyond her own celebrated body of work, inspiring countless emerging artists, lyricists, and performers who follow in her footsteps. Her deft ability to blend humor, heart, and social insight in song has become a touchstone for writers seeking to create music that is both entertaining and meaningful. Through her mentorship, collaborations, and enduring repertoire, she opened doors for the next generation of theater-makers, demonstrating that storytelling through song can challenge, comfort, and connect audiences in profound ways. Carol’s legacy lives on not only in her timeless lyrics but in the countless creative voices she helped nurture and encourage.

Remembering Carol

Below are a few clippings from Carol’s Memorial program.

A blue plate filled with crispy fried chicken pieces
A white background with various humorous and motivational quotes in purple and red text, starting with "As Carol might say..." in red, and the quotes in purple, scattered across the image.
Carol Hall with short brown hair, wearing sunglasses, a blue shirt, beige pants, and beige socks, is smiling while riding a stationary exercise bike in a building with yellow and white walls featured in the background.
Carol Hall sitting on a wooden porch with a small dog on her lap, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and smiling outdoors.
Carol Hall with short, dark hair playing a piano in a room with shelves and artwork. She is sitting on a chair, concentrating on the music.

To Share Your Memories of Carol…

Contact