We are very sad to hear of the death yesterday of an important figure in British music, pianist/composer/arranger/ music director Laurie Holloway at the age of 86. Our condolences to his daughters Abigail – a consistent friend and wonderful supporter of UKJN – and Karon, and to his three grandchildren, Freddie, Henry and Alfie.
Here is the statement from Abigail and Karon: “Our father was a much loved and wonderful person. An inspiration to his family, those he worked with and many who followed his illustrious musical career. He was extremely proud of the charity The Montgomery Holloway Music Trust that he created with his late wife the singer Marion Montgomery supporting young singers, for which he was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. He will be deeply missed and remembered with great affection.”
Part of Laurie’s story was his role as Music Director of the Parkinson show on the BBC, and we were honoured when he contributed a tribute and memory of his good friend Sir Michael Parkinson to the UKJN site in 2023 – TRIBUTE.
We will have tributes, but in the meantime, this film biography of Laurie’s wife, the great Marion Montgomery (1934-2002) from 2013 vividly tells another part of the story of an inspirational figure.
Laurence Holloway MBE. Born Oldham, 31 March 1938. Died Berkshire 9 January 2025. In sadness
4 responses
A lovely man, a GREAT friend and outstanding man of music.
A great musical director who drove the Parkinson’s Show’s music and became a close neighbour and friend of Mike’s. He moved on to Strictly and became musical director there too. Lovely man and a sad loss. RIP
I produced a few sessions with Laurie and Marian for Radio 2 in the 1990s and my abiding memory is of a thoroughly decent guy. His amazing career on top ranking shows like Parkinson and Strictly speaks for itself To think that he was the MD for Downtown, it doesn’t get any better than that. RIP.
One of my dearest friends from the 70’s when I managed Marian and then him for a short time
after leaving Englebert.
‘Lol’ was always the most laid back individual; a gentle man and always a staunch ally.
Despite being one of Britain’s most accomplished composers, musicians and musical directors
for many years, the roster and fame of the major artists he accompanied, belied his own calm,
unassuming presence and natural gifts.
He will be sadly missed by many. RIP