Laurie Holloway
Laurence Holloway MBE (born 31 March 1938[1]) is a British pianist and composer from Oldham, Lancashire.[2] He is perhaps best known as the Musical Director for Michael Parkinson's chat show firstly on the BBC then ITV. He also was Musical Director for the first three series of Strictly Come Dancing on the BBC. He was married to singer Marion Montgomery.
He has appeared with the London Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Concert Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic, and the Boston Pops Orchestra as both conductor and lead pianist. His TV work has included being the composer of several well known TV theme tunes such as Maggie and Her, Blind Date and Beadle's About.
He has been awarded the Gold Badge of Merit by The British Academy of Composers and Songwriters and he has appeared as the subject of This Is Your Life.[3] He was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2013 Birthday Honours for services to music.[4]
Discography
recordings include:[5]
- About time (Elgin)
- Blue skies & other vistas (Elgin)
- Instant Marriage, 1964 West End musical
- Showtime (Elgin)
- Laurie Holloway Trio: live at Abbey Road (Grasmere Records)
- The piano player (Universal Records)
- Strictly come dancing – Bruce Forsyth & the Laurie Holloway Orchestra (Sony Records)