here are very few British jazz musicians who have become household names, however Laurie’s work as a pianist, composer, MD and arranger has led to him becoming something of a national treasure. He has a long association with Sir John Dankworth, having been Dame Cleo Laine’s MD, he toured with Engelbert Humperdinck for 5 years and has worked with an astonishing array of musicians including Stephane Grappelli, Tom Jones, Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr., Gilbert O’Sullivan, Mel Torme, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Lesley Garrett, Bob Monkhouse and Ronnie Corbett and his late wife the American singer Marion Montgomery.
He was the subject of ‘This is Your Life’ and is proud owner of the red book.
He is, however, probably best known as the Musical Director of the band featured for many years on the Michael Parkinson Show. His work as a composer ranges from jazz compositions to TV Theme tunes (including Blind Date and Beadle’s About) and he has received many awards and accolades for his work, not least being the Gold Badge of Merit from The British Academy of Songwriters Composers and Authors, a Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International and most recently in 2013 an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours.
“If everyone making a living out of making music had Laurie Holloway’s exquisite taste and wonderful talent then the world would be a better place – he is the piano player…and a proper one at that!” Sir Michael Parkinson
