Dan Hill

Dan Hill was one of the most influential figures in South African popular music. Born in Latvia in 1923, he moved to South Africa with his family as a young child and went on to become a highly respected clarinettist, bandleader, composer, producer and record executive.

Hill emerged from the country's vibrant jazz scene and became known for leading one of South Africa's major big bands. He was part of the musical world surrounding some of the country's most important jazz musicians, including Kippie Moeketsi, Early Mabuza, Sol Klaaste, Jonas Gwangwa and Hugh Masekela. He also performed and recorded with artists from the emerging African popular music scene, playing clarinet and other instruments on numerous sessions.

His influence extended far beyond performing. Hill founded RPM Records, one of South Africa's significant independent record companies of the 1960s and 1970s. RPM was eventually absorbed into Gallo, where Hill continued as musical director of Gallo Africa for many years. In that role, he was involved in recording and producing a wide range of African artists and music.

Hill was also responsible for some of the more unusual records in South Africa's musical history. His Sounds Electronic series, launched in 1967, presented popular songs through an electronic, studio-based sound and became known as much for its provocative album artwork as for its music. His album Happy Days Are Here Again achieved gold status and is reported to have been the first South African album to do so.

For decades, Dan Hill occupied an important position behind and in front of the microphone. His legacy lies not only in his own recordings, but in the musicians he worked with, the records he helped create and the role he played in shaping South Africa's recording industry.