RIP Bill Holman
May 21, 1927 - May 6, 2024
Bil Holman had an incredibly long & productive career as one of jazz's most popular & versatile arrangers. Best-known for his association with Stan Kenton, Holman's career lasted over 70 years. He was always in great demand, as while he had his own unique swinging, complex, forward-looking style, he was easily able to write in many settings. Holman excelled at so much: from traditional swing to more contemporary sounds to classical-influenced pieces to pop song charts for Buddy Rich & the award-winning Natalie Cole Unforgettable...with Love record, Mr. Holman graced every genre he visited.
Born & bred in & spending most of his life in California, he was deeply steeped in the West Coast Jazz scene, becoming one of its developmental central figures. In his later years, he was showered with awards & honors, including Grammys & an NEA Jazz Masters award.