Hal Roach (Born Rochester Coleman)
1929 – September 19, 2011
Hal Roach was a jazz pianist who, for the better part of 36 years, held court at the popular Eli’s The Place For Steak in Chicago. Roach was just a young child living in Mississippi when he learned to play the piano on a piece of cardboard. He eventually moved to Chicago with his family, and after serving in the US Army in Korea, Roach focused on his music and soon landed the gig at The Place For Steak. In 1994, Roach was at the piano when in walked President Bill Clinton who was in town for a fundraiser. Despite being forewarned by the Secret Service to keep it on the down-low, Roach immediately kicked into “Hail To The Chief.” Over the course of his career, Roach also entertained the likes of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Liza Minnelli. As reported in the Chicago Tribune, Hal Roach was 82 when he passed away on September 19, 2011.
Thanks to Gary Case for the assist.
Mr Roach was the BEST! Dignified, sophisticated in music, genre, talent and appeasement, Hal lived up to his reputation to please. Many dreary Chicago winters I spent at Eli’s listening to his soul-full tunes. He got to the quick, and the quick struck you hard and good.
LOVED this guy. He was surely One of a Kind!
Bobby “Shit” had nothing on this man!!
May he Rest in Peace!!!