MGBERNA - Posted - 08/03/2016:  13:32:05

Hey there,  I was wondering if anyone had heard anything of Bill Holden here recently. He played banjo for Bill Monroe and The Country Gentleman back sometime in the 70's. I remember listening to him during his stint with the Country Gentleman mostly. I heard him play one of the best versions of Sally Goodin' that I'd ever heard. He must of played that for about 10 or 15 minutes and offered up variation after variation and never repeated the same thing twice. It was a pleasure just to watch him play.I wish I had recorded it, it was a doozie! Just wondering where he might be now days.

southerndrifter - Posted - 08/03/2016:  14:52:19

quote:

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Originally posted by MGBERNA

 

Hey there,  I was wondering if anyone had heard anything of Bill Holden here recently. He played banjo for Bill Monroe and The Country Gentleman back sometime in the 70's. I remember listening to him during his stint with the Country Gentleman mostly. I heard him play one of the best versions of Sally Goodin' that I'd ever heard. He must of played that for about 10 or 15 minutes and offered up variation after variation and never repeated the same thing twice. It was a pleasure just to watch him play.I wish I had recorded it, it was a doozie! Just wondering where he might be now days.

---

I believe he still lives in Texas and, at least a couple years ago, he was a long-distance truck driver.

robbif - Posted - 08/03/2016:  16:44:30

I'm sorry I missed this topic. Oh, thank goodness, I see it just showed up!

I've been in touch with Bill for at least  the last year. Yes, he's still in Texas, still driving a truck.

Every once in a while he asks me to male CDs of some of my online recordings. I don't remember how he got my contact information.

He hasn't contacted me in a while. He's definitely not on the internet. 

I'll try to write him and see if he'll send me a letter I can post.

A Nobody - Posted - 08/04/2016:  08:02:40

Although I didn't immediately know who I was talking to......he (Bill) called the store a couple months ago to order a birthday present for a friend, which is a request that we get a lot and initially I thought this was going to be as many others I had done. We talked about what he wanted and he made a decision, then I started his sales order and started the normal questions in order to complete the sale. I asked.....where do you wan this sent and he gave the name Doyle Lawson and his address.....WOW this is COOL I thought.....still not knowing "who" I was talking to. Then I asked, ok who do I bill this to? He says.....William Holden and gave me his address.......THEN the wheels started turning! I said......this wouldn't be banjo playin' Bill Holden would it? He laughed and said.....well I used to be!

We had been having a very nice "transaction" call, but after I figured out "who" I was talking to and he realized that I actually did know who he was, we ended up having a very nice conversation about music, banjo playing and life choices.

Bill is an extremely nice man......I would love to meet him in person......and just visit!

Robby

robbif - Posted - 08/04/2016:  08:35:18

quote:

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Originally posted by Robby Boone

 

Although I didn't immediately know who I was talking to......he (Bill) called the store a couple months ago to order a birthday present for a friend, which is a request that we get a lot and initially I thought this was going to be as many others I had done. We talked about what he wanted and he made a decision, then I started his sales order and started the normal questions in order to complete the sale. I asked.....where do you wan this sent and he gave the name Doyle Lawson and his address.....WOW this is COOL I thought.....still not knowing "who" I was talking to. Then I asked, ok who do I bill this to? He says.....William Holden and gave me his address.......THEN the wheels started turning! I said......this wouldn't be banjo playin' Bill Holden would it? He laughed and said.....well I used to be!

We had been having a very nice "transaction" call, but after I figured out "who" I was talking to and he realized that I actually did know who he was, we ended up having a very nice conversation about music, banjo playing and life choices.

Bill is an extremely nice man......I would love to meet him in person......and just visit!

Robby

 

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Robby, I'm so glad someone else has experienced the same treat to talk to Bill, and feels the same way about him.

I sent him a letter today and asked him to write back something I could post here.

Stay Tuned!

Fred

MGBERNA - Posted - 08/04/2016:  10:59:03

Thanks for the response guys.I'm glad to see that Bill has a following! I've wondered several times over the years what he might be doing after he left the Country Gentleman and I never heard anything else about him. I'm glad to hear that he's still out there kickin'. Seems to me that after Bill Emerson left the Country Gentleman and left a footprint of what a banjo picker with that group was to sound like, Bill Holden and Richard Bailey was the two that filled that job the best.Does any of you know off the top of your head what albums of the Gentleman or with Monroe that Bill played on.I'd like to go back an listen to him again. That guy could sure pull the tone out of the banjo he was playing. One of the best there was.I'd like to think that maybe he's still pickin a little bit anyway. I wish there was more recordings of him out there.I also wonder what kind of banjo he was playing in those days.I never could get enough of listening to him. Thanks Fred for trying to get in contact with Bill. I sure hope you hear something back.Please keep us posted.

                                                                                          Mike

Edited by - MGBERNA on 08/04/2016 11:04:20

Sheenjack - Posted - 08/04/2016:  11:46:10

Bill Holden recorded with the Country Gents on the LP "Joes Last Train".  Bills take on "Cryin Holy" really rocked me. The key of C with the dropped 4th string made this tune something special.

At the link.

youtube.com/watch?v=ZBZNZCta0Jw

I spent one week sitting in the front row at Bean Blossom in 1977, watching Bill at work. Cleanest tone and most precise picking I have ever heard.

MGBERNA - Posted - 08/04/2016:  12:23:16

Sheenjack: Thank's for the link and the title of the Gents album. I've got that album. I'll dig it out of the closet and enjoy it again. Like you I've sit and listened to Bill pick with the Gents at a couple of festivals during that time, once at the old festival grounds in Hugo,Okla and again in Norman,Okla. I was kinda in a daze listening to him. Your right, the clearest tone and most on the mark and tasteful picking I've ever heard.

Sheenjack - Posted - 08/04/2016:  12:30:05

At the link is a list of Bill Monroe recordings on which Bill Holden played banjo.

Bill Holden also played with Peter Rowan.

bluegrasstoday.com/i%E2%80%99m...ucky-298/

Sheenjack - Posted - 08/04/2016:  12:43:01

I recall reading someplace that Bill won a prestigious banjo contest playing "Sally Goodin", solo.

If you can win a high level competition with a simple 3 chord tune like "Sally", then your arranging and execution would have to be something very extraordinary.

MGBERNA - Posted - 08/04/2016:  12:54:18

Sheenjack: I got to hear Bill play his version of Sally Goodin a few times back then. He played more un-repeated variations in that tune than I'd ever heard. He played it for about 10 minutes it seemed and never played the same break twice. As I said earlier, I wish I'd have recorded it then. It was a clinic in how to play that tune. The best I'd ever heard.

Sheenjack - Posted - 08/04/2016:  18:04:30

Bills banjo was listed for sale on ebay 3 years ago. The listing was discussed in the BHO thread attached below. I wonder if it sold.  

banjohangout.org/archive/259299

robbif - Posted - 08/13/2016:  07:44:09

Still waiting for a reply letter from Bill. It may be a while, but I'll let you know ASAP.

MGBERNA - Posted - 08/15/2016:  06:45:55

Thanks Fred for doing this. I hope you hear from Bill soon. Looking forward to it.

MGBERNA - Posted - 08/15/2016:  13:24:01

Just curious, does anyone know what part of Texas Bill calls home.

robbif - Posted - 11/09/2016:  17:36:31

Sorry it's taken me so long to give you an update. I have received a couple letters from Bill.

I'll have to partially...ahem...paraphrase them, if you know what I mean.

He first said the "flattering reader" who posted the YouTube link was probably wrong, and he doesn't think he did that,

and someday he'll learn how to watch YouTube on his lousy cellphone, "...and see what I did when I was a slim 6'2" 220 lb. toothpick."

 

Side Note: "1964, 1968 I played with Byron at O.U. one year a piece. He then went to Track and Javelin throwing."

Side Note: "I never had an original 'Sally' version, all stolen and mangled...I copied Alan Munde and Earl." 

 

He's still looking for "the lost picture for my scrapbook...maybe Muleskinner or Bluegrass Unlimited July-Aug 1977.

I'll pay good money for 1977 pic at Beaver Dam. Ky, with Bossman. It's just me and Baker R.I.P."

"Later Gator, Pecos Bill"

------------------------------------------------

"I'm on one or two 45 records."

He'd explained to me on the phone that he and Bill Keith had lots of fun, but, "Bill Keith and I had little in common other than being Bluegrass Boys."

"1977 July  Yes, Monroe recorded my composition, Pinewood Valley. It was a favor he did for me thru Wayne Lewis. He heard me 

playing on the bus going to a west coast tour and said he liked it."

Slue Foot Sue - Posted - 05/02/2017:  14:19:21

Thank you again Fred. I appreciate you letting me Know about this.

robbif - Posted - 05/02/2017:  15:06:28

quote:

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Originally posted by Slue Foot Sue



Thank you again Fred. I appreciate you letting me Know about this.

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You're very welcome. And welcome to the Hangout!

Slue Foot Sue - Posted - 05/03/2017:  09:23:38

Mike, I think Bill lives somewhere in the hill country between San Antonio and Austin.

robbif - Posted - 05/03/2017:  15:40:30

quote:

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Originally posted by Slue Foot Sue



Mike, I think Bill lives somewhere in the hill country between San Antonio and Austin.

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Blanco, TX

Slue Foot Sue - Posted - 05/04/2017:  08:16:57

That's it. Couldn't think of that name!

Slue Foot Sue - Posted - 05/05/2017:  11:57:56

quote:

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Originally posted by Slue Foot Sue

That's it. Couldn't think of that name!

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Slue Foot Sue - Posted - 05/05/2017:  11:59:42

Hi Fred, next time you talk to Bill, tell him SuzAnne said "hello"!

robbif - Posted - 05/05/2017:  12:19:15

quote:

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Originally posted by Slue Foot Sue



Hi Fred, next time you talk to Bill, tell him SuzAnne said "hello"!

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I will. As I mentioned, I haven't heard from him in a very long time, but here's hoping.

Slue Foot Sue - Posted - 05/07/2017:  14:45:45

Oh, I'm sure you will. Here's hoping it's soon.

robbif - Posted - 07/07/2017:  15:46:58

Great News: Out of the blue, Bill called me tonight to catch up. He told me more stories I wish I'd recorded.

I reminded him about this topic. He got excited and said he could not be more flattered!

I was even more surprised when he was immediately willing to give you his address:

William Holden

PO Box 933

Blanco, TX 78606

And get this: He said he would answer any letters personally and handwritten!

But as he cautioned, he's a truck driver and it may take a while for him to respond.

Enjoy!

Slue Foot Sue - Posted - 07/19/2017:  10:09:22

Hi Fred! It has been a while since I've checked this blog. I'm really glad Bill called. This gives me time to get a birthday card in the mail. I do appreciate you remembering me and getting this address for me. Thank you so much. This made my day! SuzAnne

Slue Foot Sue - Posted - 07/20/2017:  17:46:50

And now you need to share some of those stories Fred!

robbif - Posted - 07/20/2017:  18:41:21

quote:

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Originally posted by Slue Foot Sue



And now you need to share some of those stories Fred!

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I wish I could remember them. I've asked Bill to write up some stories and I'll scan them for us here.

Slue Foot Sue - Posted - 07/21/2017:  08:19:12

Well now, that does sound like a good idea. I'm sure they would be interesting. I'll look forward to it! Thank you again for thinking of me.

Slue Foot Sue - Posted - 08/04/2017:  09:10:19

Fred, I received a very flattering letter from Bill. We're catching up. No stories to share. Maybe in the near future😉.

rupickin5 - Posted - 08/04/2017:  09:24:12

Sue, please tell Bill I said hello & fondly remember our first meeting in Aspen w/ Sommers & Steve Bruton! Good times! Thanks, Brian Lappin 

robbif - Posted - 08/04/2017:  12:23:10

quote:

---

Originally posted by rupickin5

 

Sue, please tell Bill I said hello & fondly remember our first meeting in Aspen w/ Sommers & Steve Bruton! Good times! Thanks, Brian Lappin 

 

 I highly recommend you send him a letter yourself. It would obviously mean a lot to him,

 

 

 

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rupickin5 - Posted - 08/04/2017:  12:49:31

Thanks Fred, and a great thought. Once I get setup, we just moved & it's a bit chaotic here, I'll do just that. Brian 

Slue Foot Sue - Posted - 08/15/2017:  20:38:58

Brian I agree wirh Fred! When you get settled in, you should write Bill and you two can catch up. But, I will still tell him you said "hello".

Rick22 - Posted - 11/30/2017:  12:14:01

I came across this thread and wanted to update people about Bill Holden. Bill and I were close friends when he lived in Nashville and played with the Bluegrass Boys in '76. Thanks to someone that got his mailing address, I decided to send him some pictures that I had taken at his birthday party that was thrown by Bill Monroe at a small venue outside of Nashville. I'll attach the pictures, which include Alan O'Bryant, Roland White, James Monroe, Blaine Spouse and a few others. Bill mailed back with a long discussion talking about the old days and pretty much downplaying his banjo playing. As has been mentioned, he hasn't played in years. I copied a number of comments about people on this forum and other places on the web (one which talked about the most underrated banjo players) that mentioned him and sent them to him. As you know by now, he doesn't do the web or even email. I just got back another letter from him and he wanted to correct or amplify some things. Bill hasn't changed much, he' still pretty raw around the edges, but I'll do my best to translate. He also said he would be glad to respond to any letters, but I'm warning you, when I say "translate" I mean it. His handwriting requires equal parts guesswork and careful scrutiny. First I'll upload the pictures, then post some things he had to say.

James Monroe, Bill, Alan O'Bryant and Bill Holden on banjo

Blaine Spouse, Roland White and Bill Monroe

Rick22 - Posted - 11/30/2017:  12:51:01

A few of Bill's edited comments:

I'm flattered beyond belief at 67.5 years old to think people like my banjo playing. Really. I won't go into detail now, but will tell you later how a life-time desire became meaningless. Money had something to do with it, but still to think no matter what Bill, or Doyle, Johnny Dacus, or Hubert Davis said, someone, somewhere liked what I played. That's worth it. Doyle only hired me because at 6'2" and skinny I had good stage presence and he knew he could teach me. We bonded and butted heads, but we're friends today He my me in Wythville, VA a year ago at his golf gig with Paul Williams. We drank many beers between '74 and '76. People talked on the forums about the version of "Cryin' Holy". Basically I was just copying Sonny Osborne's version; we just played it faster. I have little original material except Texan Bluebonnets, Blue Goose, Lucky Lady, Texas Chili with the Gentlemen. Pinewood Valley....I copied (and mangled) a Bobby Thompson song used before Hee Haw commercials on TV. The Bluegrass Memories album was all mine. Joe's Last Train all mine except Cryin' Holy. I fingerpicked and flat-picked guitar but never played guitar with Monroe. Re Byron: Byron went to OU on a football scholarship in '63 or '64; I went in '68. He switched to track throwing the javelin. I played both ways, center and defensive tackle, but I only lasted one year due to academics. Yes, I need to talk to Bryan Lappin- he could have played with any band I did. Earl Taylor used him on an album and Bryan's wife Nell played a good fiddle and John Sommer (who played fiddle on John Denver's "Thank God I'm a Country Boy". I met them all at Winfield. We had a band in Aspen, the Bluegrass Salad Boys, that lasted one week. I met Ben Eldridge in Aspen. John Denver went to my high school, five years before me. My sister went out with him in high school. Larry Miller was the best banjo player that Jimmy Martin ever had. His banjo recorded like J.D.'s on "You Don't Know My Mind". Someone mentioned Richard Bailey, but his name was James Bailey. He played with the Gents before me; 17 year old kid, flawless, never dropped a note. I gave my Martin D-28 and RB250 to my daughter. Haven't played seriously since 1985, except in 2000 I played with Peter Rowan at a festival in Dripping Springs, TX. Some of my favorite "lesser known" banjo players were Rudy Liske, Joseph Drumright, Robert Lee Pennington, Raymond McClain, Little Roy Lewis, Bob Yellin, and Larry Miller. My banjo was an RB-250 shell and tone ring, probably 1955. The neck was a copy. I bought it from Rual Yarborough in 1975 in Mobile, AL. The neck was made by someone in Mobile. I will answer any letters. Bill". Ed: it's very likely I have some details wrong, since I am not a banjo player at all. But if you want to get in touch with Bill, as above in this thread, his address is PO Box 933, Blanco TX 78606-0933. Oh, by the way....I also got some details about Slue Foot Sue (which she didn't mention in this thread) but apparently they hung out in Nashville in 1977 (which was the year I left town). Hope this helps those of you that are interested in historical stuff about Bill. When I sent him copies of this thread and other stuff from the web, I told him he should be proud of his playing from those days, and that people were interested in his playing. I had the feeling from this first letter that he really didn't see himself as much more than a flash in the pan....but I pointed out to him that vinyl is forever.

Edited by - Rick22 on 11/30/2017 12:58:17

robbif - Posted - 11/30/2017:  17:22:03

Thanks Rick22!

I received a "letter" from Bill the other day, at the same time my laptop exploded with a Parity Error. I've just got it stumbling back to work until I can find/afford a new one.

Anyway, I scanned the letter on my tower and am, shal we sat, "editing" before I post it here.

I'm not about to retype it, especially with my keyboard ability.

Anyway I'll try to post in in a day or two. You'll have fun seeing what I'm up against! 

Rick22 - Posted - 11/30/2017:  17:49:05

Believe me....I know very well what you're up against...I had ten pages on tiny notepad paper....my post involved significant creative editing.  Like I said, we were close friends. There is enough NSFW on there, and I totally lack the courage to actually post a screenshot. I suspect you'll be redacting some of yours......;-)

Edited by - Rick22 on 11/30/2017 17:54:43

robbif - Posted - 12/02/2017:  07:12:56

OK, here's what Bill sent me last month.

I decided to put it on a web page for you and the general public.

frobbi.org/slides/holden/

Rick22 - Posted - 12/02/2017:  07:40:29

Fantastic. Mine unfortunately would require much more redacting....;-)

robbif - Posted - 12/02/2017:  07:42:12

Believe me, I was sweating a lot! I can only imagine your burden!!!

The Old Timer - Posted - 12/02/2017:  19:18:15

Correction: it was JAMES Bailey, not Richard Bailey, who played with the Country Gentlemen.

I saw Bill Holden playing with the Gents one night in one of the Washington CD clubs, I can't remember which one, sad to say. My first wife was studying at Walter Reed Nursing School and when I'd visit (from Maine) we'd be sure to go see some local big name bluegrass. The Cellar Door possibly? I remember the quartet sang an astounding version of Bill Monroe's "That Home Above" (originally done with Lester, Earl and Cedric).

robbif - Posted - 02/03/2018:  08:25:15

Just found this, thanks to Michelle Putnam..

Rick22 - Posted - 02/03/2018:  16:17:20

When I get a chance I'll burn this to a CD and send it to him. Thanks....great sound.

robbif - Posted - 02/03/2018:  18:12:31

Thanks Rick. You'll save me one task!
Please let him know I saw it.
Fred

5stringJim - Posted - 02/03/2018:  23:54:08

Wonderful recording ! Great banjo and superb quartet singing !

Slue Foot Sue - Posted - 02/26/2018:  08:48:44

Rick, you may not remember me, SuzAnne. Bill and I were with you on several occasions. I remember attending your New Years Eve party. And that was my party for Bill's birthday that you attended. I'm glad to see your pictures. Maybe I should post some!

Slue Foot Sue - Posted - 02/26/2018:  08:57:33

Brian, Bill asked me for your address. Of course, I don't have it. He said that he wanted to hear from you. You should write to him. His address has been given a couple of times. He really appreciates it. I'm thankful to see how others appreciated his music. I don't think he ever realized it.