Hal Linton - Career

Career

In 2005, as part of the internship program for his BA in Design, Hal went to work at CRS Music Studio. It was there that his creativity excelled leading him into the production of his self produced independent album "Spirit:Life:Love", released in 2006. The first single "Cardiac Arrest" went on to characterize Hal Linton to Barbados and the rest of the Caribbean region as the soul prince of the Caribbean. Likened to musical legends Marvin Gaye, Prince and even D'Angelo, he was nominated for eight awards at the 2007 Barbados Music Awards where he won four - Best New Artist, Song of the Year, R&B Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. Soon after he did his debut live performance at the Barbados Jazz Festival to raving reviews.

..he was inspired by his best friend Bandye Warner.Soul newcomer Hal Linton … really stole the show. At times, recalling the torched magic of Bilal or the burly heat of Omar, the fresh-faced Linton demonstrated the island's burgeoning R&B scene with infectious originals, such as the driving "Shake It Off" and his regional hit single, "Cardiac Arrest." But it was his ragamuffin makeover of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" that sent the most chills down the enthusiastic audience's back. - John Murph (BET) 2007

After hearing such raving reviews, production company Syndicated Rhythm Entertainment (SRP Records) run by Carl Sturken and Evan Rogers responsible for Rihanna, Shontelle, and The Urgency put a deal on the table for the young artist in January 2007. Opting not to work with the production company at that time, Hal Linton moved to the USA with his manager at the time Teneille Doyle who secured a spot on the Heineken Red Star Soul tour for him. Suffering many disappointments and setback the duo persevered.

In September 2007, the Government of Barbados, through a division responsible for the export and development of culture "Invest Barbados," through their representative Tonika Sealy, made a large financial commitment to the Hal Linton project to assist in securing him a recording deal and promote his full export potential. This was the first time that the Barbados Government had made such a commitment to any artist. It was through that funding that Hal Linton showcased around the USA, worked with various producers and met music business executives.

By May 2008, Hal and his manager had three production deals on the table, including another offer from SRP Productions who they later signed to. By July 2008 they had captured the interest of Universal Motown President Sylvia Rhone who signed him.

While At Motown Hal Linton released 3 singles: "She's Dangerous", "Southern Hospitality", and "Mind Control," which collectively earned him over a half a million YouTube views.

In 2009 Hal Linton was one of the featured artists on the BET show "Grey Goose Rising Icons". This would be his television debut. The world of sports came calling next when he was invited to perform at the 2009 NFL Thanksgiving Day Motown 50th Anniversary Tribute Halftime Show in Detroit. Hal truly has a passion for performing live, and has toured extensively throughout the USA, on such tickets as The Budweiser Super Fest, Essence Music Festival, Heineken Red Star Soul Tour, and Lexus Soul Stage. He also hit the road with acts including but not limited to John Legend, Estelle, Ryan Leslie, Fantasia, Solange, K.Michelle, and India Arie.

2011 his career continued to move forward. He inked another major deal with world wide publishing conglomerate BMG where he continues to work with contemporary award-winning producers, writers, and artists. These include Jerry Wonda, Salaam Remi, Wyclef Jean, Shontelle, Mary J. Blige, Melanie Fiona, Robin Thicke, Rico Love, Rockwilder, Dre & Vidal, Billy Mann Kwame, Stereotypes, Omen, D. Bunetta, Jim Jonsin, Chrisette Michele, Jessy Wilson and Gourdan Banks amongst many others.