Biography
Major Holley gained primary recognition for embracing Slam Stewart's signature approach of vocalizing alongside his bowed bass lines, though he sang in unison rather than an octave higher as Stewart did. Apart from that distinctive trait, he functioned as a capable and dependable bassist throughout his career. Nicknamed "Mule," he started on violin and tuba before shifting to bass during his time in Navy bands. During the mid- to late '40s he performed with Dexter Gordon, Charlie Parker, and Ella Fitzgerald. In 1950 he cut a series of duet recordings, never reissued, with Oscar Peterson. After working for the BBC in England, he toured with Woody Herman in 1958, joined the Al Cohn-Zoot Sims quintet from 1959 to 1960, took on studio work, appeared on assorted jazz dates, and spent a period with Duke Ellington in 1964. Holley taught at Berklee from 1967 to 1970, then freelanced around New York while recording with Roy Eldridge, the Lee Konitz Nonet, Quincy Jones, and, on two occasions, Slam Stewart.
Albums
