Corky Hale, a renowned and multifaceted jazz harpist, pianist, and vocalist, boasts a storied past that stretches back to her earliest childhood, when she was born on a small, idyllic midwestern farm town, where the sounds of nature and the rhythms of rural life would later influence her artistic expression. This humble beginning would serve as the foundation for a life filled with music, a profound passion for the arts, and a commitment to her craft that would ultimately shape her unique identity. From a tender age of three, Hale embarked on a musical journey, taking piano lessons that would prove to be a pivotal moment in her development as an artist. By the time she had reached the ripe age of seven, her remarkable talents were already being showcased to a wider audience, a testament to her innate ability, dedication, and natural aptitude for music.
During a leisurely family getaway in the warm and sunny state of Florida, a chance encounter occurred, as Hale, accompanied by her cherished loved ones, inadvertently drew the attention of the illustrious and renowned bandleader, Horace Heidt, who was expertly leading his esteemed House band. So thoroughly captivated was Heidt by Hale's extraordinary talents that he commissioned a bespoke, custom-made band jacket, tailored specifically to her unique style, and she was subsequently featured in the evening show for several consecutive weeks. This initial exposure served as a spark, igniting a profound and abiding passion for music within Hale, which would ultimately guide her pursuits and shape her destiny.
Notable vocalist Hale has had the esteemed privilege of sharing the limelight with a plethora of renowned artists throughout her remarkable career, marked by numerous milestones and unforgettable collaborations that have significantly contributed to her professional growth and artistic development.
One such notable occasion was her performance alongside the legendary Tony Bennett at the prestigious White House, a momentous event that has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on her illustrious trajectory, serving as a testament to her exceptional talent and versatility as a performer.
This extraordinary experience has not only further solidified her position as a respected and accomplished vocalist, but has also provided her with a unique opportunity to learn from and draw inspiration from one of the greatest singers of all time, Tony Bennett, whose own illustrious career has spanned multiple decades and has earned him numerous accolades and awards.
As a result, Hale's performance at the White House has not only been a highlight of her career, but has also had a profound impact on her artistic vision and direction, ultimately shaping her into the accomplished and respected vocalist she is today.
Notably, alongside this exceptional partnership, Hale has had the privilege of sharing the spotlight with the extraordinary Barbra Streisand in two separate, yet equally unforgettable, performances. The initial of these remarkable events transpired in the iconic Central Park, where her awe-inspiring vocals resonated with the masses, captivating the audience with their sheer magnitude and emotional depth.
The accomplished vocalist, Hale, has had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse array of artists, and one such notable collaboration was her performance with the pioneering and experimental Icelandic singer-songwriter, Björk. This extraordinary performance took place during Björk's MTV Special, which was held in the culturally rich and vibrant city of London. Throughout the performance, Hale demonstrated her remarkable versatility and adaptability as a vocalist, effortlessly embracing the distinctive nuances of Björk's unique style.
Hale's remarkable and illustrious career has presented her with the extraordinary opportunity to collaborate with an impressive array of renowned and celebrated musicians, thereby further expanding her already vast, extensive, and diverse repertoire of musical talents and abilities.
Notably, Hale has had the extraordinary privilege of sharing the spotlight with the illustrious Liberace, both on his esteemed television show and at the revered Madison Square Garden. Moreover, her exceptional harp playing abilities have been showcased alongside the unparalleled talents of Billie Holiday, Mel Tormé, and Peggy Lee, thereby cementing her status as a virtuosic musician, renowned for her remarkable artistry and mastery of her craft.
Noted jazz vocalist, Hale, has had the esteemed privilege of sharing her remarkable vocal talents with some of the most renowned bands in the industry, including those led by the iconic Harry James, Ray Anthony, and Jerry Gray.
As a multifaceted individual, Hale's remarkable achievements effortlessly transcend the sphere of music, showcasing a remarkable depth of character. With a tongue-in-cheek remark, she affectionately describes herself as the quintessential cook-housewife, a testament to her ability to balance multiple roles with ease. Beyond her musical endeavors, she has been blessed with a fulfilling marriage to the talented songwriter Mike Stoller since 1970, a partnership that has brought joy and collaboration to her life. Together, the couple has undertaken a most noble endeavor, establishing three state-of-the-art health centers in collaboration with Planned Parenthood, a testament to their commitment to promoting healthcare and wellness in their community. Notably, these centers include the esteemed Dorothy Hecht Health Center in Los Angeles and the Stoller-Filer Health Center in Compton, a remarkable achievement that reflects their dedication to making a positive impact.
Noted reproductive rights advocate Hale has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to the cause of women's reproductive autonomy, investing significant time and energy into this vital issue.
Through her involvement with several prominent organizations, Hale's commitment to reproductive rights is unequivocally evident. As a member of the national advisory board of NARAL, a leading advocate for reproductive freedom, Hale plays a pivotal role in promoting and protecting the rights of women to make informed decisions about their own bodies.
Furthermore, Hale serves on the national advisory board of Planned Parenthood, a well-established provider of comprehensive reproductive healthcare services, underscoring her deep-seated passion for ensuring that women have access to the care they need to maintain their health and well-being.
In addition to her national-level involvement, Hale is also a dedicated member of the California board of the Women's Reproductive Rights Assistance Project (WRRAP),a non-profit organization that works tirelessly to ensure that women have access to safe and legal abortion services, thereby empowering them to make choices that are fundamental to their autonomy and dignity.
Noted for her unwavering dedication to championing the empowerment of women, Hale received the distinguished Champion of Choice accolade from NARAL Pro-Choice America in the year 2011, a recognition that serves as a shining tribute to her entire lifetime of unwavering commitment to this profoundly important and pressing social issue.
---
**Hale's Biography**
Born in [year], Hale is a pioneering figure in the fight for women's reproductive rights. Her passion for this cause was evident from a young age, and she has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of women to make their own choices about their bodies and health.
Throughout her career, Hale has been a vocal and tireless advocate for reproductive justice, working tirelessly to push for policies that promote access to safe and legal abortion, as well as comprehensive sex education and family planning services.
In addition to her work in the United States, Hale has also been a key figure in international efforts to advance women's reproductive rights, working closely with organizations and governments around the world to promote women's health and dignity.
Despite the many challenges she has faced, Hale remains a powerful and influential voice in the movement for reproductive rights, inspiring countless others to join her in the fight for a more just and equitable world.
Corky Hale's unwavering dedication to social justice has been consistently demonstrated throughout her illustrious career, with her work extending far beyond her esteemed contributions to Planned Parenthood. In addition to her remarkable efforts with this organization, Hale is also a passionate advocate for the Southern Poverty Law Center, a prestigious organization that has recognized her tireless efforts by bestowing upon her the esteemed honor of naming the "Mike Stoller and Corky Hale Stoller Civil Rights Memorial Theatre" in her and her husband's name.
