Harold Hailey
Joplin, Missouri

2006 Caller / Cuer Hall of Fame

Harold and his wife, Jean, graduated square dance lessons in 1958. Harold started calling immediately. He has been calling and teaching for 48 years.

Harold's first club in 1961 was a teen club in Webb City, Missouri called Hailey's Comets. In 1962 Harold and Jean started a very special club in Joplin for handicapped children.

Through the years Harold has given his time for many exhibitions, calling at nursing homes, charity dances, etc. Harold has served his turn as master of ceremonies for the Cerebral Palsy benefit dance in Joplin and called for all of the 14 years that this dance has been held.

Eagle Picher Squares was started in 1971 in Galena, Kansas with Harold as their first caller. Harold and Jean moved to Kansas City for six years during the 1980's. Upon their return, Harold started calling for them again.

While in Kansas City, Harold called on a square dance float in the American Royal parade.

Harold has participated in many National, State, District and Doin's dances. He and Jean served as Tri-Chairman of the State Festival in 1971 and responsible for starting the process to host the State Festival in Joplin in 1998.

Harold is an active member of CALLERLAB serving on several committees for the mainstream and plus dance programs. He is also a member of the Caller Qualification Committee and the Public Relations Committee.

Harold has been a recording artist for Cardinal Records for eleven years and has recorded many records during this time.

Harold and Jean live in Joplin, Missouri. They have three children, Debbie Meadows, Greg Hailey, and their daughter, Vicki Harrison.  She passed away in May 2000. Vicki was also a square dance caller. Harold and Jean have four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Harold's mother, Nellie Hailey, was also a caller at the turn of the 20th century at Tipton Ford, Missouri. She played the pump organ while her brother played the drums, French harp and banjo at the same time to provide the music since there was no sound systems or records to play.