John Dee Holeman & Fris Holloway My Baby Is A Country Girl — DeepCutsArchive

DeepCutsArchive

John Dee Holeman & Fris Holloway My Baby Is A Country Girl — DeepCutsArchive

John Dee Holeman (April 4, 1929 – April 30, 2021) was an American Piedmont blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. His music includes elements of Texas blues, R&B and African-American string-band music. In his younger days he was also known for his proficiency as a buckdancer. Holeman was born in Hillsborough, North Carolina. on April 4, 1929. He was raised on a farm in Orange County. He learned to play the guitar, and listened to traveling bluesmen from other parts of the South, as well as on the radio. Drawing inspiration from Blind Boy Fuller, he began singing and playing guitar at local parties and other community events by the time he was in his mid-teens. He went on to purchase his first electric guitar during his mid-twenties. Holeman relocated to Durham, North Carolina, in 1954, where he played with the pianist Fris Holloway. The duo became adept at the Juba dance, also known as the hambone or buckdance, which he had earlier learned at country dances. During his working lifetime, Holeman had full-time employment as a construction worker, and music was a part-time pursuit. However, he was able to tour in the United States and overseas in the 1980s, including performances at Carnegie Hall, and abroad on behalf of the United States Information Agency's Arts America program. He played at the 42nd National Folk Festival at Wolf Trap, Virginia, in 1980. He performed yearly at the Black Banjo Festival, in Boone, North Carolina. His first album, Bull City After Dark, was nominated for a W. C. Handy award (a predecessor of the Blues Music Awards). He recorded the album Bull Durham Blues in 1988, which featured Taj Mahal. It was re-released on the Music Maker label in 1999. Also in 1988, the National Endowment for the Arts presented Holeman with a National Heritage Fellowship. Holeman was presented with the North Carolina Folk Heritage Award in 1994. A song Holeman wrote, "Chapel Hill Boogie", was featured on the 2007 Grammy Award–nominated album 10 Days Out: Blues from the Backroads, recorded by Kenny Wayne Shepherd. In 2007, Music Maker issued the album John Dee Holeman & the Waifs Band, on which Holeman was backed by the Waifs, an Australian folk-rock group. He played several shows in 2018 with Cajun/Zydeco musician Mel Melton in Durham. Holeman was married to Joan until his death. He died on April 30, 2021, at the age of 92.

About This Footage

The recently uploaded clip "John Dee Holeman & Fris Holloway My Baby Is A Country Girl" on our archive is a rare treat for blues enthusiasts and aficionados of American roots music. Recorded in 2021, this 4:14-minute footage captures the Piedmont blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter John Dee Holeman in concert with his longtime collaborator, pianist Fris Holloway.

What makes this clip particularly noteworthy is its documentation of a performance by two artists who were already well-established in their careers. Holeman's life spanned over nine decades, from 1929 to 2021, and he was active in the music scene for most of that time. His repertoire incorporated elements of Texas blues, R&B, and African-American string-band music, making him a unique figure in American music.

The clip is also significant because it showcases Holeman's partnership with Fris Holloway. The duo's musical chemistry is evident as they trade vocals and instrumental passages, creating an engaging and dynamic performance. Their rendition of "My Baby Is A Country Girl" is a testament to their ability to interpret and reimagine traditional blues songs.

The fact that this footage was recorded in 2021 makes it a valuable addition to our archive, particularly considering Holeman's passing later that year. This clip provides a poignant reminder of his contributions to American music and serves as a tribute to his enduring legacy.

Holeman's life and career were marked by a remarkable blend of traditional blues and modern influences. His proficiency as a buckdancer, which he learned at country dances, added an additional dimension to his performances. The fact that he was able to tour extensively in the 1980s, including appearances at Carnegie Hall and on behalf of the United States Information Agency's Arts America program, highlights his ability to adapt and thrive in different musical contexts.

The clip also underscores the importance of Holeman's association with the Music Maker label, which re-released his album Bull Durham Blues in 1999. This partnership not only helped to revive interest in his music but also provided a platform for him to share his unique sound with a wider audience.

In conclusion, this rare footage is a treasure trove for blues enthusiasts and anyone interested in American roots music. It offers a glimpse into the performances of two seasoned artists who were committed to preserving traditional blues while pushing its boundaries.

Curated from public records and music databases.