‘I know Robert Redford, even Lola Hall…’
By Benjamin GroffMedia© | benandsteve.com | 2025 Truth Endures©
Lola Hall: Oklahoma’s Weather Girl Who Became a Legend
In the heart of America, television was becoming the central storyteller of the modern household. During this time, one woman in Oklahoma City quietly became a beloved figure. She was cherished across living rooms, farms, and small-town diners alike. Her name was Lola Hall, the poised and personable weather girl for KWTV Channel 9. Through the 1960s and 1970s, Lola transitioned from forecasting the weather. She began anchoring the morning news. She carved out a legacy of warmth, professionalism, and unexpected celebrity.
A Humble Start on Channel 9
Lola Hall wasn’t born into the limelight. She was raised in Oklahoma. She considered herself an ordinary woman. “I’m just a plain girl with a good work ethic,” she once said. She never imagined she would become a fixture in households across the state. She also didn’t foresee that her name would one day be immortalized in a hit country song.
She started at KWTV in the early 1960s. Television was still finding its footing then. Local personalities were becoming stars in their own right. Initially billed as a “weather girl,” a common term at the time, Lola did more. She did more than point at cloud symbols and smile at the camera. She brought a genuine understanding of weather patterns. Her calm demeanor during storms was notable. She had a natural charisma that made viewers trust her.
Lola quickly stood out not only for her delivery but for her grounded, approachable nature. She didn’t talk down to viewers or play a character. She was simply Lola — smart, steady, and relatable.
Rising to Anchor the Morning News
As her popularity grew, so did her responsibilities. By the early 1970s, Lola earned a promotion to co-anchor the morning news. This was a significant achievement for a woman in broadcasting. In that early morning slot, she became the face viewers saw as they sipped coffee. People watched her while packing school lunches. They prepared for long days on the farm or at work.
Her calm voice and natural empathy helped set the tone for the day. But it wasn’t a solo act.
Near the end of her career, she welcomed two of Oklahoma’s most trusted newsmen. Bill Haire and Wayne Lyle joined her on the morning show. Both were widely respected for their skill in agricultural reporting — essential content for Oklahoma’s large farming population. The trio became a necessary part of daily life for rural viewers. Farmers tuned in for weather and headlines. They also relied on Bill and Wayne for dependable reports on crop forecasts. Their reports covered market conditions and farming trends.
Lola, Bill, and Wayne worked together to form an Oklahoma morning news trifecta. They delivered information with clarity, sincerity, and a deep respect for their audience. They weren’t just broadcasters; they were neighbors.
A Country Music Cameo
But, Lola’s story wouldn’t be finished without an interesting twist. One of her career’s most surprising moments was an unexpected brush with country music fame.
During an interview with country star Mickey Gilley, Lola found herself momentarily flustered. Gilley, known for chart-topping hits and honky-tonk swagger, was in Oklahoma City promoting his music when he confessed on air.
He told Lola that back in his younger days, he grew up in rural east Texas. KWTV Channel 9 was one of the few stations they could pick up. And Lola Hall, with her grace and good looks, was a celebrity to the local boys.
“You were the hottest thing we’d ever seen,”
Gilley smiled, adding that Lola had made such an impression that he mentioned her by name in his song.
“The Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time.”
For a brief moment, Lola lost her composure — laughing, blushing, and turning to the crew off-camera. It was a rare crack in her usually calm exterior, and viewers loved it. She quickly recovered, continuing the interview with her usual charm, but later admitted she was shocked.
“I thought I was just the girl telling them to grab an umbrella,”
She joked.
A Lasting Legacy
Lola Hall stepped away from the news desk eventually. She left behind a legacy built not on flash or fame. Instead, it was built on trust, relatability, and professionalism. During an era when women in broadcasting often had to work twice as hard, Lola rose through the ranks. Her long-lasting connection with viewers stood as a quiet revolution.
She may never have considered herself glamorous. She may not have thought of herself as remarkable. But, to thousands of Oklahomans—and at least one country legend—she was both.
You know it each time you hear the song and Gilley sings the line,
“I know Robert Redford even Lola Hall!”
Lola Hall wasn’t just the weather girl. She was part of the fabric of Oklahoma life. Her name, her voice, and her smile are still remembered by those who welcomed her into their homes each morning.
For a personal take on her career click here and be taken to an interview with Lola Hall!
To truly dive into the story of Lola Hall and other trailblazing women of the 1950s and ’60s, prepare yourself. They were often known then as “weather girls.” Grab your favorite refreshment and settle in. This captivating podcast offers a rich glimpse into their rise to popularity. Back in the day, we just called it a recording—but whatever the name, you’re in for something special.
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