Laurence “Laurie” Holloway was an English pianist, composer, and musical director from Oldham, Lancashire. He began playing piano at age four, took formal lessons at seven, and became organist and choirmaster at his local church by age 12. Holloway turned professional in 1954, performing with Syd Willmott and his Band, later with Geraldo, Cyril Stapleton, and as a studio session musician, including on Petula Clark’s Downtown (1965). In the 1960s, he co-composed the West End musical Instant Marriage with Bob Grant. Holloway gained prominence as musical director for Engelbert Humperdinck, the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, and the television talk show Parkinson. He collaborated with artists including Cleo Laine, Tom Jones, Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, and Sammy Davis Jr., and composed numerous television theme tunes. Holloway received the Gold Badge of Merit from the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters and was appointed MBE in 2013. His discography includes Cumulus (1979), Blue Skies & Other Vistas (1996), and The Piano Player (2004). Holloway died on January 9, 2025 in Berkshire at the age of 86.
