“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” has been my home for the last 10 years but it’s not the first go-around for CBS and me
I was severely injured in a 1978 accident when a drunk, driving an 18 wheeler, ran me over on the 405 freeway out here in LA and caused my gas tank to explode. I was burned over 65% of my body and had both legs amputated (one above and one below the knee)
After months of therapy and healing, I returned to my job as a DJ at a small Orange County radio station.
A man from Los Angeles actually heard me and asked me to audition for, in his words “a CBS O&O-KNX-FM”. I didn’t know what that meant, but I was game. They were shocked to meet a man in a wheelchair and I was equally amazed to be hired as morning DJ and music director for this legendary CBS alternative rock station. Though the word “diversity” wasn’t in vogue at the time, I’ve always felt that CBS looked for talent first and figured out a way to deal with whatever “differences” this presented.
This became very important to me as I moved forward in my career.
Acting was my next challenge and, against the counsel of my well-meaning friends, I jumped into that world, over the next 15 years, I studied acting, worked in local theater and kept plugging ahead with my acting dreams.
In 2000, Carol Mendelsohn, Anthony Zuiker and William Petersen thought enough of my skills to make me the regular coroner on this new show called “CSI”.
“CSI” has given a lot to the television world and it’s given me a lot personally-talented friends, co-workers and a renewed drive to follow my passions and stay creative.
One of those passions is music, for the past couple of years I’ve been hanging around Austin, Texas trying to piece together some of my song ideas that I’ve sat on for the past 30 years.
I recently finished a CD that features 7 of my own compositions, 2 that I co-wrote with my friend and producer, Chris Wall and 3 others that I’ve always loved singing.
I’m happy, actually thrilled, to complete this project. It’s called “Things They Don’t Teach You In School” and it’s available on June 1st through my website Robertdavidhallmusic.com and all the other places (iTunes, Amazon, etc)
People tell me it’s in the Americana/Country/Roots tradition but to me, it’s just a bunch of songs I finally finished that I’m proud of.
The disc features some friends and some of Austin’s finest players.
I hope you enjoy it.