Lynden David Hall (7 May 1974 – 14 February 2006) was an English singer, songwriter, arranger, and record producer who emerged during the late 1990s as part of the neo soul movement. In 1999, he was the first UK performer ever voted "Best Male Artist" by the readers of Britain's ''Blues & Soul'' magazine. His debut album, ''Medicine 4 My Pain'', as well as the Single (music), singles "Do I Qualify" and "Sexy Cinderella", had an instant appeal to soul fans in the UK and elsewhere, but it was not until his work got remixed that he got his major breakthrough. In October 2003, Hall was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma; he died on 14 February 2006, at the age of 31, from complications resulting from the stem cell transplant he received in January 2005.

Life and career

Born in Wandsworth, South London, he won the "best newcomer" accolade at the 1998 MOBO Awards, MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards. In 1999, he was the first UK performer ever voted "Best Male Artist" by the readers of Britain's ''Blues & Soul'' magazine. His debut album, ''Medicine 4 My Pain'', as well as the single (music), singles "Do I Qualify" and "Sexy Cinderella", had an instant appeal to soul fans in the UK and elsewhere, but it was not until his work got remixed that he got his major breakthrough. Hall appeared in the film ''Love Actually'' in 2003 as the lead singer of the surprise band that plays the Beatles' "All You Need Is Love" at the wedding of the characters played by Keira Knightley and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Two years later, he released his third studio album, ''In Between Jobs'', on the independent record label Random Records. In October 2003, Hall was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma; he died on 14 February 2006, at the age of 31, from complications resulting from the stem cell transplant he received in January 2005. Hall was in remission at the time of his death. Hall is survived by his wife Nikkie Hall, his parents and sister Syreeta Hall.Caroline Sullivan
"Lynden David Hall -Gifted young singer who defined a British alternative to American R&B"
(obituary), ''The Guardian'', 17 March 2006. Shortly before he died, while in hospital in November 2005, Hall and his wife achieved their wish to help others suffering by putting on the successful Lynden's Wish concert at London's Jazz Café.

Discography

Albums

* 1997: ''Medicine 4 My Pain'' – UK Albums Chart, UK No. 43 * 2000: ''The Other Side (Lynden David Hall album), The Other Side'' – UK No. 36 * 2005: ''In Between Jobs'' - UK No. 188

Singles

Films

* 2003: ''Love Actually''

References

External links

* * *
Lynden David Hall interview
by Pete Lewis, ''Blues & Soul'' magazine. May 2000 (reprinted April 2008). {{DEFAULTSORT:Hall, Lynden David 1974 births 2006 deaths Deaths from Hodgkin lymphoma People from Wandsworth 20th-century Black British male singers 21st-century Black British male singers People educated at the BRIT School British contemporary R&B singers English soul musicians Neo soul singers English people of Igbo descent