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Leilani "Lani" Hall (born November 6, 1945) is an American singer. From 1966 to 1971, she performed as lead vocalist for Sérgio Mendes & Brasil '66. In 1972, Hall released her first solo album, Sun Down Lady. She may be best known, however, for providing the most recognizable female face and vocal signature sound to Mendes's group during her tenure there, and for her rendition of the theme song to the 1983 James Bond film Never Say Never Again, with its accompanying video, in which she prominently appears. In 1986, she was awarded her first Grammy for Es Fácil Amar, as "Best Latin Pop Performance".[1]

After that year, Hall largely retired, resurfacing in 1998 with the solo album Brasil Nativo. She has recorded more than 22 albums in three different languages and has released three albums on which she performs alongside her husband, Herb Alpert: Anything Goes, I Feel You and Steppin' Out. Hall received her second Grammy Award in 2013 as producer of the album Steppin' Out.

Music career

[edit]

Hall's first public appearance occurred in 1965 at The Centaur, a coffee house in Old Town, Chicago. She was heard by Brazilian pianist and bandleader Sérgio Mendes, who was on tour in Chicago. He first heard her perform at a benefit at Mother Blues, another club in Old Town. His group, Brasil '65, was disbanding, and he invited Hall to come to Los Angeles to be the lead singer of his new project, Sérgio Mendes & Brasil '66. As she was only 19 and still living with her parents, she agreed only after Mendes met her father and obtained his blessing, and six months later, the group signed a contract with A&M Records. 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 "Mas Que Nada". Much of the song's appeal was due to Hall's distinctive, multi-tracked vocals and Herb Alpert's expertise as producer.[2]

A series of popular interpretations followed, including the group's take on the Beatles' "The Fool on the Hill" and "Day Tripper". In 1966 the band was the opening act that toured alongside A&M labelmates (and label founder) Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass.

In 1970, midway through the production of the folk-rock concept album Stillness, Hall left Brasil '66 and was replaced by Mendes' wife, Gracinha Leporace. Hall embarked on a solo career, with Herb Alpert assuming production duties. She released Sun Down Lady in 1972, followed up by Hello It's Me in 1975. She regularly recorded throughout the 1970s and 1980s, recording the title song for the James Bond film Never Say Never Again in 1983, produced by Mendes and Alpert.[3] Never Say Never Again was the second of only two James Bond films to date not to be produced by EON Productions; coincidentally, Alpert had performed the instrumental theme for the first, 1967's Casino Royale.

Beginning in 1982, Hall recorded several successful Latin pop albums in Spanish, culminating in 1985's Es Fácil Amar, produced by Albert Hammond, for which she received the Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Performance.[1] Among her Spanish hits were "Un Amor Así" and "De Repente El Amor", duets with Puerto Rican singer José Feliciano and Brazilian singer Roberto Carlos,[1] respectively; "Para Vivir Así," which features Herb Alpert on trumpet; and another duet, "Te Quiero Así" with the iconic Mexican singer José José (who also began his career with a bossa nova/jazz band). She recorded "Corazón Encadenado" and won a Grammy in a duet with Spanish singer Camilo Sesto in 1984, though she doesn't speak Spanish.[1] In 1986, she worked again with Mendes in the song "No Place to Hide" from the Brasil '86 album. In the mid-1980s, Hall contracted a debilitating case of Epstein–Barr virus and was forced to take a break from performing.[1] She returned in 1998 with the album Brasil Nativo on the Windham Hill label.[1] In 2008, she reunited with Mendes again, performing the song "Dreamer" on his album Encanto, which also featured Herb Alpert on trumpet.

In 2007, she and Alpert assembled a band consisting of pianist/composer Bill Cantos, bassist Hussain Jiffry and drummer/percussionist Michael Shapiro, developing new arrangements for jazz standards and Brazilian songs. From then until the present, they have continued to tour, and have released three CDs, Anything Goes in 2009, I Feel You in 2011 and Steppin' Out in 2013, which won a Grammy Award for both Alpert (artist) and Hall (producer).

Writing

[edit]

As a young girl, Hall wrote poetry. She began writing short stories in 1982 while on tour in Mexico City. In 2012 she published Emotional Memoirs & Short Stories. Written over the course of more than 30 years, the book contains fiction and nonfiction stories that describe women coping with the vicissitudes of life.[4]

Personal life

[edit]

On December 15, 1974, Hall married Herb Alpert; they have a daughter, actress Aria Alpert.[citation needed]

Discography

[edit]

Solo albums

[edit]
  • 1972 – Sun Down Lady
  • 1975 – Hello It's Me
  • 1976 – Sweet Bird
  • 1979 – Double or Nothing
  • 1980 – Blush
  • 1981 – A Brazileira (Portuguese)
  • 1982 – Albany Park
  • 1982 – Lani (Spanish)
  • 1984 – Lani Hall (Spanish)
  • 1984 – Collectibles
  • 1985 – Es Fácil Amar (Spanish)
  • 1987 – Classics Volume 19
  • 1987 – Lo Mejor De Lani (Spanish)
  • 1998 – Brasil Nativo
  • 2022 - Seasons of Love (featuring Herb Alpert)

Solo singles

[edit]

Collaboration albums

[edit]

Albums with Sérgio Mendes and Brasil '66

[edit]

Albums with Herb Alpert

[edit]

Bibliography

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Lani Hall

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Lani Hall (born November 6, 1945) is an American singer, , and best known as the lead vocalist of & Brasil '66 from 1966 to 1971, where she helped popularize in the United States through hits like "Mas Que Nada." Born Leilani Hall in to Polish and Russian immigrant parents in a blue-collar Jewish family, she grew up in the Albany Park neighborhood, influenced by artists such as , , and , and began writing poetry and singing as a teenager. Discovered by at age 19 in a nightclub, Hall joined Brasil '66 and contributed to acclaimed albums including (1967) and (1968), often writing English lyrics for Portuguese songs and blending jazz, pop, and Brazilian rhythms. After leaving the group in 1971, she launched a solo career with her debut album Sun Down Lady in 1972 on , followed by nine more releases by the mid-1980s, including the "Never Say Never Again" (1983) and the Portuguese-language album Es Fácil Amar (1984). A two-time Grammy Award winner, Hall received her first in 1986 for Best Performance for Es Fácil Amar and her second in 2014 (for the ) as co-producer on Steppin' Out with husband . In 1973, Hall married , the trumpeter and co-founder of , becoming his second wife; the couple has a daughter, actress Aria Alpert Adjani (born 1975), and has collaborated on four albums, including Anything Goes (2009) and I Feel You (2011). Diagnosed with Epstein-Barr virus in the mid-1980s, Hall paused live performances but continued recording, releasing Brasil Nativo (1998) and her latest album (2022), while also authoring the book Emotional Memoirs & Short Stories (2012). She returned to the stage occasionally, including a 2024 performance in and continued tours as of 2025.

Early life

Childhood and upbringing

Lani Hall, born Leilani Hall on November 6, 1945, in , , grew up in a blue-collar Jewish family of immigrant heritage. Her father was a Russian immigrant and factory worker, while her mother was a Polish immigrant, and the family resided in the working-class Albany Park neighborhood near Kimball and Lawrence avenues. The home environment was volatile, yet it provided a foundation where Hall's early creative interests began to emerge privately. During her childhood in the 1950s, Hall was exposed to Chicago's vibrant cultural scene, which included a rich array of music genres broadcast on local radio and available through records. She frequently listened to late-night jazz programs, such as Sid McCoy's show on WCFL, and sang along to artists like Judy Garland, Nina Simone, Miles Davis, Lee Morgan, Stan Getz, and Gil Evans, fostering an early appreciation for jazz, pop, and vocal styles. Although her family supported her passion for singing, Hall kept her vocal practice largely secret from outsiders, sharing it only with close relatives and one neighbor; her idols included June Christy, Anita O'Day, Ruth Olay, and Barbra Streisand. By her late teens, she had acquired an inexpensive and began writing her own songs, influenced by the mid-1960s folk movement including , , and .

Musical beginnings

Lani Hall's interest in music deepened during her teenage years in , where she began singing and writing as a form of self-expression. Her early vocal style was shaped by a range of and pop influences, including singers such as , , , , , Bill Henderson, and , whom she emulated by singing along to their records in her room. She also drew inspiration from instrumental artists like , , , and , often listening to Sid McCoy's radio show on WCFL. Hall's exposure to came in the early 1960s through the burgeoning U.S. popularity of Brazilian sounds, particularly via and Astrud Gilberto's 1964 hit "The Girl from Ipanema," which she later recognized upon hearing live performances. This recording, featuring João Gilberto's subtle guitar and Astrud Gilberto's breathy vocals, introduced her to the genre's intimate rhythms and harmonies, fueling her fascination with Brazilian music even before her professional encounters. Hall's first professional opportunities emerged in 1965 at age 19, when she debuted at an open-mike night at Mother Blues, a folk and in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood. Her performance there led to a residency at the nearby Centaur coffeehouse, where she honed her skills performing a mix of standards and contemporary tunes for local audiences. These gigs marked her transition from amateur singing to paid work, often in intimate settings that echoed the she frequented as a listener. During this period, Hall immersed herself further in by attending shows at Mother Blues, where she first heard & Brasil '65 live, an experience that solidified her affinity for the genre's blend of rhythms and improvisation. In late 1965, while performing at , Hall caught the attention of , who was touring with his group Brasil '65 amid the U.S. craze. Impressed by her supple voice and ability to convey emotion, Mendes invited her to audition for his newly reconfigured ensemble. Hall traveled to in 1966 at age 20, securing the role of lead vocalist for & Brasil '66 after impressing co-founder during the group's label audition. Her selection was pivotal, as Mendes sought a singer who could handle both English and lyrics with a jazz-inflected warmth, drawing on her Chicago-honed style to bridge American pop and Brazilian traditions. This move launched her into international prominence, though her early experiences in 's vibrant club scene remained foundational to her artistry.

Musical career

With Sérgio Mendes & Brasil '66

Lani Hall was discovered by at age 19 performing in a Chicago nightclub and joined the group in 1966 as the lead vocalist, alongside Janis Hansen. She relocated to Los Angeles and contributed her distinctive voice to the group's debut album on A&M Records, Herb Alpert Presents Sérgio Mendes & Brasil '66, where she provided lead and multi-tracked vocals on tracks like "Mas Que Nada" and "The Joker," helping propel the bossa nova-infused sound to mainstream appeal. Hall's tenure with the group, spanning 1966 to 1971, featured prominently on subsequent releases, including the self-titled & Brasil '66 (1966), (1967), Look Around (1968), (1968), Crystal Illusions (1969), and Stillness (1970). Her lead vocals shone on key hits such as "Mas Que Nada" (reaching No. 47 on the in 1966), "Scarborough Fair/Canticle" (No. 15 in 1968), and "" (No. 13 in 1968), blending smooth English phrasing with elements often adapted from phonetic transcriptions provided by . This stylistic fusion helped popularize in the U.S. and beyond, with Hall frequently writing English lyrics for Brazilian compositions at ' request. Under Hall's influence, Brasil '66 achieved significant commercial success, with multiple gold-certified albums and singles that crossed over from adult contemporary to pop charts, including international tours that expanded their global fanbase. The group earned Grammy nominations, such as for Best Contemporary-Pop Performance by a Duo or Group for Fool on the Hill in 1969, and their debut album was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2012, underscoring Hall's pivotal role in bridging Latin rhythms with American pop sensibilities.

Solo career

Hall launched her solo recording career in 1972 with the album Sun Down Lady on , blending elements with influences through covers of songs by artists like , including "" and "Come Down in Time." Subsequent releases expanded her stylistic range while maintaining a pop-oriented sound. Her 1975 album Hello It's Me featured introspective ballads, followed by Sweet Bird in 1977, which incorporated smoother, more acoustic arrangements. By 1980, Blush shifted toward soulful ballads and light grooves, exemplified by tracks like "In the Dark." In 1981, she released A Brazileira, her first full album in , showcasing Brazilian compositions with a nod to her earlier roots. This was followed by Es Fácil Amar in 1985, a Spanish-language effort that earned her a Grammy Award for Best Performance. A pivotal moment came in 1983 when Hall recorded the theme song "" for the film of the same name, co-produced by her husband and former collaborator ; the track highlighted her versatile vocal style in a cinematic context. Throughout her solo tenure, Hall produced over 22 albums across English, , and Spanish, reflecting her affinity for Latin American music while evolving from pop and fusions in the to more jazz-inflected standards by the .

Collaborations with Herb Alpert

Lani Hall's musical collaborations with her husband, trumpeter , began in the 1970s and evolved into a series of joint albums and performances that highlighted their complementary styles, blending Alpert's melodic lines with Hall's warm, versatile vocals in jazz-pop and Brazilian-inflected arrangements. Their partnership often involved co-production, with Hall contributing or vocal arrangements alongside Alpert's instrumental leadership. The first collaboration appeared on Alpert's 1975 album Coney Island, where Hall provided guest vocals on the track "I Belong," marking an early intersection of their talents shortly after their marriage. Their synergy deepened in later decades, with full duo albums emphasizing standards and original interpretations. In 2009, Alpert and Hall released Anything Goes, a live recording captured during performances in 2008 that served as their debut full-length project as a duo. The album reimagines American Songbook classics like "Fascinating Rhythm," "That Old Black Magic," and "It's Only a Paper Moon," with Hall taking lead vocals on several tracks while Alpert's trumpet weaves through intimate big-band arrangements supported by a small ensemble. Co-produced by the couple, it showcases their shared vision for relaxed, sophisticated jazz interpretations. Building on that success, they issued the studio album in 2011, featuring covers of iconic tunes such as Van Morrison's "," Peggy Lee's "Fever," and Beatles songs "" and "." Hall's smooth delivery pairs seamlessly with Alpert's , enhanced by contributions from Bill Cantos, Hussain Jiffry, and Michael Shapiro; the duo co-produced the record, emphasizing emotional depth and subtle Brazilian rhythms in a framework. The 2013 release Steppin' Out continued their collaborative momentum, billed as featuring Lani Hall and focusing on upbeat standards like "Misty" and "," infused with pop- energy and occasional elements. Hall shares vocal duties on multiple tracks, while Alpert's production highlights their vocal-instrumental interplay, creating accessible yet sophisticated listening experiences. Beyond recordings, Hall and Alpert have performed extensively as a duo since the mid-2000s, touring in the with a core trio augmented by guest musicians to deliver sets of standards, Brass classics, and Brazilian-influenced numbers from their Brasil '66 roots. These live shows, often at venues like the Café Carlyle and centers, underscore their enduring chemistry and Hall's role in bridging Alpert's instrumental legacy with her lyrical expressiveness.

Later recordings and performances

After an extended hiatus due to issues, Hall returned to recording in 1998 with the solo album Brasil Nativo, a collection of Brazilian-inspired tracks released on Windham Hill Jazz that highlighted her roots in and . In the ensuing years, Hall expanded into production work, notably co-producing and producing tracks on Herb Alpert's 2013 album Steppin' Out, which earned her a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album. Her most recent solo effort, Seasons of Love (2022), marked her first new studio album in over two decades; featuring contributions from Herb Alpert, it explores romantic and reflective themes through a mix of jazz standards and originals, emphasizing enduring love and emotional depth. Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, Hall has maintained an active performance schedule, often alongside Alpert, appearing at prestigious jazz venues and festivals such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2018 for a holiday program, the SFJAZZ Center in 2022, the Palm Springs International Jazz Festival in 2024, opening the Jazz at Naz Festival at The Soraya in 2024, and a performance with Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass on May 11, 2025. Hall's catalog has adapted to contemporary audiences through availability on digital streaming platforms like and , enabling broader access to her discography and sustaining her influence in and Latin music circles.

Writing career

As a

Lani Hall's work as a began in the mid-1960s during her tenure as for & Brasil '66, where Mendes invited her to translate lyrics into English for several tracks, adapting Brazilian compositions to appeal to English-speaking audiences. These contributions helped shape the group's signature sound, blending linguistic accessibility with cultural authenticity in songs that explored romantic and introspective themes. She continued this role in later iterations, providing English lyrics for selections on the 1986 album Brasil '86, including adaptations that incorporated multilingual elements. In her solo career, Hall co-wrote additional for the title track "Sun Down" on her 1972 debut Sun Down Lady, collaborating with her husband to enhance the original composition by Willis Ramsey with personal, evocative verses on fleeting moments and emotional depth. This marked one of her early original contributions outside group work, emphasizing themes of transience and love. Further demonstrating her versatility, Hall co-authored for the title track "Sweet Bird" on her 1976 Sweet Bird, partnering with composer to create a tender piece infused with introspective longing, available in both English and French versions. Throughout her career, Hall has penned or adapted lyrics for numerous songs since the , often weaving English, , and Spanish influences to evoke universal sentiments of romance and , as seen in her collaborative recordings with Alpert on albums like (2009), where her vocal phrasing complemented lyrical standards. Her approach prioritizes emotional resonance over literal translation, contributing to a body of work that bridges linguistic divides in Latin-inflected pop and .

As an author

Lani Hall Alpert began her writing career in the early , using it as a creative outlet during tours and periods of health challenges, such as her recovery from Epstein-Barr virus in the mid-, which temporarily limited her singing. Over more than three decades, she developed a process akin to her , visualizing stories like unfolding films and refining them through meticulous editing. Her works, self-published through Amazon's platform, explore themes of resilience, love, creativity, and self-discovery, often drawing from women's life experiences in urban settings like . Her debut book, Emotional Memoirs & Short Stories (2012), is a collection of ten pieces blending fiction and non-fiction, depicting modern women confronting issues such as , , , and sexuality. Interwoven with autobiographical elements from her own journey—from her 1960s upbringing to her life as an artist—the book reflects her lyrical style, extending the emotional depth of her vocal performances into prose. Critics and readers have noted its reception as a natural progression of her storytelling, where the printed narratives echo the passion and introspection of her songs. In 2001, Alpert edited Music for Your Eyes: Herb Alpert, Sculpture & Paintings, a visual tribute to her husband 's artwork, featuring , commentary, and an introduction that highlights the interplay between music and visual creativity in their shared life. This homage underscores her role in bridging artistic mediums, much like her marriage to Alpert in 1974 inspired collaborative projects across music and literature.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Lani Hall met in 1966 when Alpert, as co-founder of , signed her group & Brasil '66 to the label, marking the beginning of their professional and personal connection in the late . They married on December 28, 1974, in a private ceremony, with Hall becoming Alpert's second wife following his divorce from his first marriage. The couple welcomed their only child, daughter Alpert Adjani, on July 25, 1975; later pursued a career in , appearing in films such as (2001) and (2009). Hall and Alpert raised in their Malibu home, where Alpert had resided since 1972 and Hall joined shortly after their marriage, balancing family life with their demanding music careers, including tours and recording sessions. The family emphasized privacy, rarely sharing personal details publicly while fostering a close-knit environment. As of 2025, Hall and Alpert have been married for over 50 years, their enduring partnership characterized by mutual support in their musical endeavors and personal development, including collaborative performances and shared artistic inspirations. Hall has no other marriages or children.

Later years

In the early 2000s, Lani Hall and her husband settled into a sprawling estate in , where they have resided since 1972, enjoying the seclusion between the mountains and the . Although Hall entered semi-retirement from extensive touring, she continued selective performances alongside Alpert, including joint appearances as recent as 2024 in New Orleans and 2025 in . Hall has been actively involved in philanthropy through the Herb Alpert Foundation, which she co-founded with Alpert in the late 1980s to support arts education and music programs. The foundation has provided significant funding for jazz initiatives, including $30 million to establish the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music in 2007 and $15 million to the CalArts School of Music in 2017 to bolster scholarships and endow chairs in jazz performance. Additional grants, such as $10.1 million to Los Angeles City College in 2016, have made tuition free for music majors, reflecting Hall's commitment to accessible music education. Reflecting on her vocal health in later years, Hall has emphasized wellness practices to sustain her singing into her 70s, drawing from her recovery from chronic fatigue syndrome caused by Epstein-Barr virus in the 1980s, which she managed through rest and selective engagements. In interviews, she has highlighted maintaining vocal technique amid ongoing tours, crediting disciplined practice for her enduring range and clarity. In a 2022 promoting her album —her first studio release in over two decades—Hall reflected on her career as a "miracle life story," from her unexpected start singing in nightclubs to her transformative partnership with Alpert, which she described as following "love’s path" and enabling a balanced legacy in music and family.

Awards and honors

Grammy Awards

Lani Hall has received two Grammy Awards and one nomination over the course of her career, highlighting her versatility as a vocalist in Latin pop and as a producer in instrumental genres. These accolades underscore her ability to bridge bossa nova roots with broader commercial success, particularly through Spanish-language recordings and collaborations with her husband, Herb Alpert. In 1984, Hall earned her Grammy nomination for Best Latin Pop Performance for her self-titled album Lani, a collection of Spanish interpretations that built on her earlier work singing the theme for the James Bond film Never Say Never Again. The album's recognition validated her shift toward Latin markets following her time with Sérgio Mendes & Brasil '66. Two years later, at the 28th Annual Grammy Awards, she secured her debut win in the same category for Es Fácil Amar, an album featuring romantic boleros and pop tunes that peaked at #3 on Billboard's Latin Pop Albums chart and solidified her status as a bilingual artist appealing to diverse audiences. Hall's production work with later brought further honors. In 2014, she co-produced his album Steppin' Out, which won Best Pop Instrumental Album at the ; the record blended jazz standards with modern arrangements, earning praise for its intimate trumpet-vocal interplay where Hall also contributed vocals. These achievements, as of 2025, emphasize Hall's enduring impact in validating crossover Latin and instrumental music within the industry.
YearCategoryWorkRoleOutcome
1984Best Latin Pop PerformanceLaniPerformerNomination
1986Best Latin Pop PerformanceEs Fácil AmarPerformerWin
2014Best Pop Instrumental AlbumSteppin' Out ()ProducerWin

Other recognitions

In recognition of her pivotal role in introducing to American audiences during the late 1960s, Lani Hall has been celebrated for her supple vocals in both English and as the lead singer of & Brasil '66, which fueled the genre's boom in the United States. A 2021 feature in Wax Poetics magazine highlighted her as a key figure who "soared to great heights" by bringing Brazilian tunes to the public, emphasizing her interpretive prowess and influence on the fusion of with . Hall's contributions to music education and performance were further honored in 2020 when the theater at the UCLA School of Music was renamed the Lani Hall Theater in her honor, reflecting her enduring legacy as a vocalist and philanthropist alongside her husband, . The release of her 2022 album , her first solo studio effort in over two decades, garnered media profiles and critical acclaim, including a feature in All About Jazz that praised its blend of standards and contemporary interpretations, underscoring her continued relevance in and pop vocal traditions.

Discography

Solo albums

Lani Hall's solo discography reflects her versatile vocal style, rooted in bossa nova and jazz influences from her time with Sérgio Mendes & Brasil '66, evolving through pop, Latin, and standards interpretations across multiple languages. Her early albums on A&M Records emphasized smooth, orchestral arrangements of contemporary and classic songs, while later works explored Brazilian and Latin pop themes, culminating in a return to jazz standards after a long hiatus. Below is a chronological overview of her solo studio albums.
AlbumYearLabelNotes
Sun Down Lady1972A&M RecordsDebut album featuring soft jazz and pop covers of songs by artists like Elton John ("Tiny Dancer") and Cat Stevens ("How Can I Tell You"), showcasing Hall's intimate vocal delivery. It peaked at #203 on Billboard's Bubbling Under the Top LPs chart.
Hello It's Me1975A&M RecordsA collection of lush ballads and contemporary tunes, highlighting Hall's emotive phrasing in a bossa nova-tinged pop style; produced with orchestral backing for a relaxed, introspective feel.
Sweet Bird1976A&M RecordsFocused on jazz standards and theatrical songs like "Send in the Clowns" and "At the Ballet," blending Hall's clear vocals with subtle Brazilian rhythms for an elegant, interpretive approach.
Double or Nothing1979A&M RecordsSoul-infused pop album with tracks exploring love and resilience; the title single was named a Billboard recommended soul single, marking a slight shift toward more rhythmic, upbeat material.
Blush1980A&M RecordsPop-oriented release with contemporary production, including the single "Where's Your Angel" which reached #88 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #103 on Bubbling Under; emphasized romantic themes with layered harmonies.
A Brazileira1981A&M RecordsHall's first foray into primarily Spanish and Portuguese tracks, celebrating her Brazilian heritage through bossa nova and samba influences for a vibrant Latin pop sound.
Albany Park1982A&M RecordsUp-tempo pop album with jazz-rooted love songs like "I'll Fall in Love Again" and "Bad Love"; received a Billboard Top Album Pick for its energetic arrangements and Hall's dynamic delivery.
Lani1982AyM DiscosSecond Spanish-language album featuring a hit duet "Te Quiero Así" with José José; peaked at #13 on Billboard's Hot Latin LPs chart in the Florida market.
Es Fácil Amar1985A&M RecordsGrammy-winning Latin pop album (Best Latin Pop Performance); sold 20,000 copies in its first month and peaked at #3 on Billboard's Latin Pop Albums chart, with heartfelt interpretations of romantic standards in Spanish.
Brasil Nativo1998Windham Hill JazzReturn after a hiatus, featuring fresh arrangements of classic and obscure Brazilian songs in English and Portuguese; emphasized bossa nova and acoustic jazz elements for a nostalgic, native Brazilian vibe.
Seasons of Love2022Herb Alpert PresentsFirst solo album in over two decades, reinterpreting jazz standards like "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Waters of March" with ambient, Latin-tinged production; explores themes of love and life's cycles through sparse, reflective arrangements.

Solo singles

Lani Hall's solo singles career began in the early 1970s following her departure from & Brasil '66, marking a transition from bossa nova-infused pop to more introspective ballads and contemporary interpretations of standards. Her releases, primarily on , often highlighted her smooth vocal style and collaborations with producers like her husband , though focused on her lead performances. Notable singles achieved modest commercial success on , with peaks in the Adult Contemporary and Hot 100 categories, while emphasizing emotional depth over high-energy rhythms.
TitleYearAlbumBillboard Hot 100 PeakBillboard Adult Contemporary Peak
How Can I Tell You1972Sun Down Lady--
Love Song1972Sun Down Lady--
Where's Your Angel1980Blush#88-
Never Say Never Again1983Single (theme for the film)Bubbling Under #3 (#103 overall)#22
Send In the Clowns1984Collectibles--
Hall's debut solo singles, such as "How Can I Tell You" and "" from her 1972 album Sun Down Lady, showcased her evolving sound with gentle, melodic covers and originals that blended pop sensibilities with subtle bossa elements, though they did not chart prominently. These early efforts established her as a solo artist capable of intimate balladry, drawing from influences like for the former track. In the 1980s, Hall's singles gained more visibility, particularly "Where's Your Angel" from 1980's Blush, which reached #88 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reflected her shift toward lush, romantic pop arrangements. Her most culturally significant release, "Never Say Never Again" in 1983, served as the theme for the James Bond film of the same name starring Sean Connery, blending orchestral drama with her velvety vocals to evoke espionage intrigue; it peaked at #22 on the Adult Contemporary chart and #3 on Bubbling Under the Hot 100 (#103 overall), boosting her profile in film soundtracks. Hall's cover of Stephen Sondheim's appeared as a 1984 single (remix) from Collectibles, offering a poignant, jazz-tinged rendition that underscored her affinity for theatrical ballads and marked a maturation in her stylistic evolution from upbeat pop-bossa roots to sophisticated, narrative-driven performances; originally from the 1976 album Sweet Bird. While none of her solo singles achieved major certifications, their chart entries and media associations highlighted Hall's enduring appeal in adult-oriented markets.

Collaboration albums

Lani Hall served as the lead vocalist for & Brasil '66 from 1966 to 1970, contributing her distinctive voice to a series of albums that blended , , and pop elements, often arranged by Mendes with production support from Herb Alpert's . These recordings helped propel the group to commercial success, with several albums achieving top 10 positions on the chart during the late . Hall's vocal performances, characterized by smooth phrasing and harmonic interplay with co-vocalist Janis Hansen (starting in 1968), were central to hits like "Mas Que Nada" and covers of contemporary standards. The debut album, Herb Alpert Presents Sérgio Mendes & Brasil '66 (1966), introduced Hall's vocals on tracks such as "The Joker" and marked the group's breakthrough, peaking at No. 5 on the and earning certification for over 500,000 units sold. Follow-up Equinox (1967) featured Hall on songs like "Night and Day," reaching No. 4 on the and No. 3 on the Top Jazz Albums chart. Look Around (1968) highlighted her contributions to "The Look of Love," which became a signature hit; the album topped out at No. 5 on the and was certified . Fool on the Hill (1968), with Hall singing the title track—a cover—peaked at No. 3 on the . Later releases included Crystal Illusions (1969), peaking at No. 45 on the with Hall's leads on "Pretty World"; Ye-Me-Lê (1969), which reached No. 71 on the ; and Stillness (1970), Hall's final album with the group, charting at No. 141 on the and featuring introspective tracks like "Chelsea Morning." These albums collectively sold millions, establishing Brasil '66 as a top act with Hall's vocals integral to their sound. Hall's collaborations with Herb Alpert, her husband since 1974, began with guest vocal appearances and evolved into joint recordings blending jazz standards, bossa nova, and pop. On Alpert's Coney Island (1975), Hall provided backing and lead vocals on select tracks, contributing to the album's light, summery vibe produced by Alpert at A&M Studios. The duo's first full co-billed release, the live album Anything Goes (2009), captured performances of standards like "Fascinating Rhythm" and Brazilian-inflected tunes, recorded during their joint tours; it received acclaim for their chemistry but did not chart prominently. I Feel You (2011), their debut studio collaboration on Concord Jazz, featured Hall's vocals alongside Alpert's trumpet on tracks such as "Moondance" and "Fever," peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. Steppin' Out (2013), also on Shout! Factory, included Hall on songs like "Puttin' on the Ritz," reaching No. 15 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart and earning Alpert a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album. Regarding Music Volume 1 (listed in some discographies as a 1987 Alpert project), Hall contributed informally through production consultations during their early marriage, though it was primarily Alpert's instrumental outing; no formal co-billing occurred. These works underscore Hall's enduring partnership with Alpert, emphasizing vocal-trumpet duets in intimate settings.
AlbumYearLabelPeak Chart PositionKey Notes
Herb Alpert Presents Sérgio Mendes & Brasil '661966A&M: #5Hall's debut as lead vocalist; gold-certified.
Equinox1967A&M: #4; Top Jazz Albums: #3Features Hall on arrangements.
Look Around1968A&M: #5Gold-certified; "The Look of Love" showcase.
1968A&M: #3 covers with Hall's leads.
Crystal Illusions1969A&M: #45Hall vocals on psychedelic-tinged tracks.
Ye-Me-Lê1969A&M: #71Brazilian rhythms prominent.
Stillness1970A&M: #141Hall's farewell with the group.
(Herb Alpert feat. Lani Hall vocals)1975A&MN/AHall's guest vocals on summery pop-.
( & Lani Hall)2009Concord JazzN/ALive standards; tour recording.
( & Lani Hall)2011Concord JazzContemporary Jazz Albums: #2Studio duets on classics.
Steppin' Out ( feat. Lani Hall)2013Shout! Factory Albums: #15Grammy-winning instrumental focus with vocals.

Bibliography

Books

Lani Hall Alpert authored Emotional Memoirs & Short Stories, self-published through CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform on September 12, 2012. This collection comprises 10 short pieces blending fiction and non-fiction, exploring life themes such as adultery, therapy, postpartum depression, and the challenges faced by modern women, interwoven with the author's personal reflections on her Chicago upbringing, 1960s Beatnik culture, and experiences as an artist. The pieces, written over three decades starting in 1982 during a tour in Mexico City, emphasize emotional depth and personal evolution. It received positive reception, earning a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Amazon based on 71 customer reviews, with praise for its passionate and compelling narrative style. She also served as editor for Music For Your Eyes: Herb Alpert, Sculpture & Paintings, published in hardcover by the Tennessee State Museum on January 1, 2001. This 149-page volume showcases the sculptures and paintings of her husband, musician , in conjunction with an exhibition, featuring contributions from Lois Riggins-Ezzell and Phil Kreger. The book has been noted for its portrayal of Alpert's visual art, receiving a 4.0 out of 5-star rating on from limited reviews.

References

  1. https://chicagoreader.com/music/the-secret-history-of-chicago-music/lani-hall-helped-brazilian-pop-find-its-fans-in-the-states/
  2. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/lani-hall-mn0000103460
  3. https://lanihallalpert.squarespace.com/biography-inline
  4. https://grammy.com/artists/lani-hall/2762
  5. https://www.facebook.com/groups/4642020699223129/posts/6886927524732424/
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  10. https://jazztimes.com/features/profiles/lani-hall-never-say-never-again/2/
  11. https://magazine.waxpoetics.com/connections/women-in-music-artists-and-writers/article/lani-hall-soared-to-great-heights-as-the-lead-singer-for-brasil-66/
  12. https://pennyblackmusic.co.uk/Home/Details?id=25506
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  17. https://www.sergiomendesmusic.com/timeline
  18. https://www.grammy.com/awards/hall-of-fame-award
  19. https://www.discogs.com/master/201043-Lani-Hall-Sun-Down-Lady
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  32. https://www.laphil.com/events/performances/313/2018-12-20/herb-alpert-lani-hall-the-manhattan-transfer
  33. https://www.sfjazz.org/tickets/productions/herb-alpert-lani-hall-ss22/
  34. https://thesoraya.org/soraya-stories/en/herb-lani-open-soraya-jazz-festival/
  35. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/lani-hall
  36. https://open.spotify.com/artist/6vIMSnFRkGcJNE776F2TEJ
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  42. https://www.discogs.com/release/3236855-Lani-Hall-Sweet-Bird
  43. https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Memoirs-Short-Stories-Alpert-ebook/dp/B009BI8TXW
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  48. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lani-halls-audio-book-emo_b_6539388
  49. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/herb-alpert-his-wife-lani-and-daughter-aria-stroll-on-the-news-photo/869493566
  50. https://thesoraya.org/whats-on/en/a-golden-anniversary-with-herb-alpert-lani-hall/
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  52. https://www.offbeat.com/articles/herb-alpert-talks-back-2/
  53. https://www.facebook.com/groups/4642020699223129/posts/9386744098084075/
  54. https://www.herbalpertfoundation.org/our-story/
  55. https://schoolofmusic.ucla.edu/remarkable-growth/
  56. https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/calarts-school-of-music-receives-15-million-from-herb-alpert-lani-hall
  57. https://nonprofitquarterly.org/herb-albert-foundation-makes-tuition-free-for-music-majors-at-l-a-city-college/
  58. https://www.pressreader.com/usa/the-arizona-republic/20100124/282892316788560
  59. https://www.grammy.com/awards/26th-annual-grammy-awards
  60. https://www.grammy.com/awards/28th-annual-grammy-awards
  61. https://www.onamrecords.com/artists/lani-hall
  62. https://www.grammy.com/awards/56th-annual-grammy-awards
  63. https://wsdg.com/ucla-herb-alpert-school-of-music-debuts-wsdg-designed-lani-hall-theater/
  64. https://www.allaboutjazz.com/seasons-of-love-lani-hall-herb-alpert-presents
  65. https://www.discogs.com/master/485565-Lani-Hall-Hello-Its-Me
  66. https://www.discogs.com/release/1990076-Lani-Hall-Sweet-Bird
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  72. https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-sergio-mendes-songs/
  73. https://bestsellingalbums.org/album/40950
  74. https://recordsandcharts.com/albumrun.php?alid=5377
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  77. https://www.onamrecords.com/artists/herb-alpert-lani-hall/discography/united-states/herb-alpert-presents-concord-music-group/88072-327573/i-feel-you
  78. https://www.allmusic.com/album/steppin-out-mw0002585218
  79. https://www.amazon.com/Music-Eyes-Alpert-Sculpture-Paintings/dp/091723233X
  80. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33817100-music-for-your-eyes
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