30 Facts About Jools Holland

Source: Bbc.co.uk

Who is Jools Holland? Jools Holland is a British music legend known for his incredible talent as a musician, composer, and television presenter. Born Julian Miles Holland on January 24, 1958, in London, he started playing the piano at just eight years old. By his mid-teens, he was already performing in pubs and clubs. Holland co-founded the band Squeeze in 1974, achieving hits like "Take Me I'm Yours" and "Up The Junction." He later formed The Jools Holland Big Band, which evolved into his renowned Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. Besides his musical career, Jools has hosted the iconic TV show "Later… with Jools Holland" since the early 1990s.

Key Takeaways:

Jools Holland's early passion for music led to the formation of Squeeze and his iconic big band, showcasing his diverse talents as a musician and performer.
Through his extensive recording career, television and radio contributions, and charity work, Jools Holland has left a profound legacy in British music, shaping the industry and influencing new talent.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Jools Holland's journey into music began at a young age, setting the stage for his illustrious career.

Early Life and Education: Born Julian Miles Holland on January 24, 1958, in London, Jools began playing the piano at eight. His passion for music grew as he played in pubs and clubs in the East End and South London during his mid-teens.
Formation of Squeeze: At 15, Jools met Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford, forming the new wave band Squeeze in 1974. The band gained international fame with hits like “Take Me I’m Yours” and “Up The Junction.”
Solo Career: Jools left Squeeze in 1980 to pursue a solo career, forming Jools Holland and His Millionaires. Although the band disbanded after one album, it marked the beginning of his solo journey.
Session Work: During his solo career, Jools worked as a session musician for various artists, including Wayne County & the Electric Chairs and The The.

The Jools Holland Big Band and Live Performances

Jools' love for live music led to the formation of his iconic big band, which has become a cornerstone of his career.

Reunion with Squeeze: In 1985, Squeeze reformed, and Jools rejoined the band until 1989, contributing to another album and live performances.
Formation of The Jools Holland Big Band: In 1987, Jools formed The Jools Holland Big Band, which evolved into the 18-piece Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. This ensemble has been central to his musical career.
Live Performances: The Jools Holland Big Band performs around 100 live shows annually, touring Britain and the world, captivating audiences with their energetic performances.

Recording Career and Collaborations

Jools' recording career is marked by numerous collaborations with some of the biggest names in the music industry.

Recording Career: Jools has maintained a prolific recording career, with his double platinum album “Small World, Big Band” featuring 22 guest artists, including Eric Clapton and George Harrison.
More Friends Album: Another notable collaboration album, “More Friends,” includes artists like George Benson, Jeff Beck, Ray Davies, and Norah Jones.
Instrumental Skills: Jools is a multi-instrumentalist, playing piano, keyboards, guitar, and singing. He leads the Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, consisting of 19 musicians.

Television and Radio Career

Parallel to his music career, Jools has made significant contributions to television and radio.

Television Career: Jools began his TV career in the early eighties, interviewing the Police for a documentary. He later co-presented The Tube with Paula Yates, a show that gained cult status.
Documentaries: Jools has made several documentaries exploring the roots of American music, playing with heroes like Fats Domino and Dr. John.
Hosting Shows: Jools has hosted various TV programs, including Name That Tune and Jools’ History Of The Piano. He also conducted interviews for the Beatles Anthology and the Rolling Stones Biography.
Later… with Jools Holland: Since the early 1990s, Jools has hosted the popular TV show Later… with Jools Holland, featuring live performances by various artists.
Radio Presenting: Jools has also hosted his own show on BBC Radio 2, often performing alongside his guests.

Personal Life and Honors

Jools' personal life and numerous honors reflect his impact on the music industry and beyond.

Personal Life: Jools married Christabel McEwen in 2005. They have a daughter named Mabel, born in 1991. Jools also has two children from a previous relationship and a stepson from Christabel’s previous marriage.
Awards and Honors: Jools was awarded an OBE for services to the British music industry in 2003. In 2012, he became an honorary colonel of the Royal Engineers 101 in the City of London.
Deputy Lieutenant for Kent: Jools has been named Deputy Lieutenant for Kent and an honorary fellow of Canterbury Christ Church University.

Contributions to Music and Charity Work

Jools' contributions extend beyond music to include significant charity work.

Publications: Jools has released multiple books and over ten UK solo artist albums, with three achieving gold sales status or higher.
Live Performances at Prestigious Venues: Jools has performed at prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace, known for his energetic live shows.
International Collaborations: Jools has worked with international artists, including a notable collaboration with Sir Tom Jones on a collection of popular R&B music.
Charity Work: Jools has been involved in various charity engagements, including Comic Relief and the Tsunami Appeal at the Cardiff Millennium Stadium with Eric Clapton.

Legacy and Influence

Jools Holland's legacy in British music is profound, influencing many through his work.

Hosting New Year’s Eve Broadcasts: Jools hosts an annual New Year’s Eve broadcast entitled Hootenanny, a significant part of British television tradition.
Music Documentaries: Jools has worked on several music documentaries, including 2012’s London Calling and 2014’s The Life of Rock with Brian Pern.
Session Work with Various Artists: Throughout his career, Jools has worked as a session musician for numerous artists, contributing to a wide range of musical projects.
Squeeze’s Meteoric Success: Squeeze’s success in the UK and the US can be attributed to Jools’ early involvement, with hits like “Take Me I’m Yours” remaining iconic.
Discovering New Talent: As a presenter on The Tube, Jools played a significant role in discovering new talent, helping launch the careers of many musicians and comedians.
Collaboration with Fats Domino: Jools’ documentary series led to a collaboration with Fats Domino, highlighting his dedication to exploring American music roots.
Hosting Sunday Night on NBC: Jools co-hosted and performed on the NBC music series Sunday Night, showcasing his ability to adapt to different television formats.
Legacy in British Music: Jools Holland’s legacy in British music is profound, shaping the musical landscape through his work with Squeeze, his solo career, and extensive television and radio roles.

Jools Holland: A Musical Legend

Jools Holland's impact on the music scene is undeniable. From his early days with Squeeze to his solo career and the formation of The Jools Holland Big Band, he's shown incredible versatility. His work as a television presenter on shows like Later… with Jools Holland has introduced countless artists to wider audiences. Collaborations with legends like Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and Sting highlight his musical prowess.

Beyond music, Jools has made significant contributions through charity work and documentaries. His annual Hootenanny New Year's Eve broadcast is a beloved tradition. Awards like the OBE and his role as Deputy Lieutenant for Kent underscore his influence.

Jools Holland's legacy is rich, varied, and continues to grow. His dedication to music and his ability to connect with audiences make him a true icon in British culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWho is Jools Holland?

Jools Holland is a renowned English musician, composer, and television presenter, best known for his work with the band Squeeze and for hosting the long-running television music show "Later... with Jools Holland."

QWhat kind of music does Jools Holland play?

He's a master of boogie-woogie piano, a style that's upbeat and highly rhythmic. But that's not all; Holland's repertoire spans jazz, blues, and rock, showcasing his versatility as a musician.

QHas Jools Holland won any awards for his work?

Absolutely! Over his illustrious career, Holland has bagged numerous accolades, including a couple of prestigious Ivor Novello Awards. His contributions to the music industry have also earned him an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services to music.

QCan you tell me more about "Later... with Jools Holland"?

Sure thing! "Later... with Jools Holland" is a music show that's been on the air since 1992. It's unique because it features live performances from artists of various genres, all in one episode. This format not only highlights Holland's deep appreciation for music but also introduces audiences to a wide range of musical talents.

QHow did Jools Holland start his career in music?

Holland's journey into music kicked off in the late 1970s when he co-founded Squeeze, a band that achieved success with hits like "Cool for Cats" and "Up the Junction." His knack for the keyboard and charismatic stage presence quickly made him a standout.

QDoes Jools Holland collaborate with other artists?

He sure does, and quite frequently at that! Holland has teamed up with a who's who of the music world, including legends like Sting, Eric Clapton, and George Harrison. These collaborations often result in magical performances and recordings.

QWhere can I find Jools Holland's music?

Holland's music is widely available on various streaming platforms, and you can also find his albums in music stores. For a deeper dive, checking out his performances on "Later... with Jools Holland" is a great way to experience his work and discover other amazing artists.

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