American Singer, Musician. He was a prominent figure in Appalachian folk music and was the inspiration for the term "high, lonesome sound," coined by folklorist John Cohen. His repertoire included old-time music, hymns, traditional music and blues ballads. In addition to playing banjo he played guitar, harmonica, and fiddle, and also sang some songs a cappella; he sang in a falsetto reminiscent of the Old Regular Baptist vocal tradition. Bob Dylan, who was a fan of Holcomb, described his work as possessing "a certain untamed sense of control." He was also admired by the Stanley Brothers, and Eric Clapton. He worked as a coal miner and farmer for much of his life, and was not recorded until 1958, after which his career as a professional musician was bolstered by the 1960's folk revival. He gave his last live performance in 1978. In interviews, he often described his hard life of manual labor and the many resulting health problems that affected him later in life, including back problems, asthma and emphysema. He died in 1981 at the age of 68.
American Singer, Musician. He was a prominent figure in Appalachian folk music and was the inspiration for the term "high, lonesome sound," coined by folklorist John Cohen. His repertoire included old-time music, hymns, traditional music and blues ballads. In addition to playing banjo he played guitar, harmonica, and fiddle, and also sang some songs a cappella; he sang in a falsetto reminiscent of the Old Regular Baptist vocal tradition. Bob Dylan, who was a fan of Holcomb, described his work as possessing "a certain untamed sense of control." He was also admired by the Stanley Brothers, and Eric Clapton. He worked as a coal miner and farmer for much of his life, and was not recorded until 1958, after which his career as a professional musician was bolstered by the 1960's folk revival. He gave his last live performance in 1978. In interviews, he often described his hard life of manual labor and the many resulting health problems that affected him later in life, including back problems, asthma and emphysema. He died in 1981 at the age of 68.
Bio by: Wally
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