Bill Hanley: the Father of Festival Sound

Bill isn't just interested in the history of Audio Engineering. For fifty five years, by inventing, designing, building and operating audio technologies that have become today's standards, he has personally become a part of that history.

In 2007, Bill addressed the Audio Engineering Society's Audio History Project. (with Fillmore E. Engineer John Chester, Dinky Dawson and Roy Clair.)

Beautiful vintage images enhanced Bill's detailed retelling of his work from Newport, The Fillmore, Woodstock and many other projects, with an emphasis on the evolution of professional equipment.

Speaking at the Audio Engineering Society, NY

People

Bill happily recalls his memories of friends such as Janis Joplin "I used to drive her to the shows ...She was a real nice kid" he says. He worked many times with stage lighting innovator Chip Monck, with whom he shares the honor of the Parnelli Award.

Venues

Bill's career has brought him to so many special places. At Newport, Bill was there for the "riot" as Dylan went electric. His story of the 1965 Beatles tour, when screaming teenagers forced him to produce an even louder sound system, is a major lesson in the industry. At Woodstock, it is said, the only things that worked correctly were the water system and the sound. Bill's stories from the Fillmore East are of interest to Rock and Rollers and Sound Engineers alike.

Music

"It's about the Music!" Bill says, poking a finger toward one ear. His dedication to the basic task of bringing intelligible and pleasant sound to entire audiences is Bill's legacy. From big bands to Peter, Paul and Mary, whether live or recorded, Bill shows his love of music by sharing it with the world.

Technologies

Bill's contributions to the sound industry include numerous modern standards such as the stage snake, wedge monitor, and Front of House mixing. (details)

Bill's explanations of these innovations are inspirational to anyone interested in understanding human creativity and invention.

Recording

Many of the countless recordings Bill has engineered were pressed to vinyl, including the Newport Festivals and Woodstock.