Introduction
Eddie Holman (born in Norfolk, Virginia in 1946), is an American singer who performs in several genres such as R&B, soul, pop and gospel, and best known for the now-oldies music classic hit ballad “Hey There Lonely Girl” in 1970. When he was younger, he and his family moved from Virginia to New York, where he continued singing and playing guitar and piano at a local church and family gatherings. His mother, noticing his glossy tenor voice, encouraged him to take singing professionally and would support his every musical undertaking, even enrolling him at a music school in Harlem. By that time, he had already been performing at prestigious venues such as the Apollo Theater and even Carnegie Hall. Holman graduated with a degree in music at Cheyney State University (now Cheyney University of Pennsylvania) in Philadelphia, Pa. Part of the vibrant Philly soul scene, Holman eventually developed his signature vocal style. His first hit was “This Can’t Be True”, released in January 1966. He would score a couple of Top 20 R&B hits until he scored his biggest smash, “Hey There Lonely Girl” in 1969, selling two million copies and earning gold status. It was his only Top 10/Top 20/Top40 hit. He would cut other singles but none of them reached the level of success as “Hey There Lonely Girl” had. Now an ordained Baptist minister, Holman heads a record label as well as a music publishing firm. He still performs, albeit occasionally.
Early years
Well-remembered by his breakthrough hit “Hey There Lonely Girl” in during the early 70s music era, Eddie Holman was born on June 3, 1946 in Norfolk, Virginia. When he was two years old his family later moved in New York where he later spent his teenage years. While growing up, he developed his interest in music when he was introduced to guitar and piano by his mother. The ten-year-old Holman made his stage debut on the Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater where he showcased his smooth falsetto vocals. The appearance led him to many more opportunities which he earned performances on Broadway and even at the prestigious Carnegie Hall. To augment Holman’s musical capabilities, hi supportive mother enrolled him in Harlem’s Victoria School of Music. Years after, he had his first record in 1962.
Influences
American R&B and soul singer Eddie Holman is best known for his smash hit, “Hey There Lonely Girl.” He is renowned for his mellow and emotional voice and has had a significant impact on the R&B and soul music genres. Numerous musicians have been influenced by Holman’s singing and songwriting style, and his work is still loved by listeners all around the world.
Legacy
Numerous musicians have sampled and covered Holman’s music, which remains popular. He is considered one of the most gifted R&B and soul vocalists of his period, and many modern musicians have incorporated his style into their work.
Songs
Together with “Hey There Lonely Girl”, here is a list of some of Eddie Holman’s well-known songs:
- “This Will Be A Night To Remember”
- “I Love You”
- “Am I A Loser From The Start”
- “Don’t Let My Baby Ride”
- “Fine Young Girl”
- “All Alone Am I”
- “You Make My Life Complete”
- “Bring Back The Joy”
- “Time Will Tell”
- “This Can’t Be True”
- “Thank You for Saving Me”
- “I surrender”
- “Don’t Stop Now”
- “Cathy Called”
- “Since I Don’t Have You”
- “Hold Me in Your Arms”
- “She’s Wanted (In Three States)”
- “Four Walls”
- “Eternal Love”
- “United”
- “Eddie’s My Name”
- “I Asked Jesus”
- “Holy Ghost”
- “Am I a Loser From the Start”
Personal Life
Three children live with Holman and his wife Sheila. He is a licensed Baptist preacher who utilizes music to express his religion and for enjoyment. He feels that because his ability is a given from God, it must be used to honor his creator. In addition, he holds the view that those gifted with creative skills have a responsibility to foster personal accountability and to set the greatest example possible due to the significant effect that they have on the lives of so many young ones.
He continues to live in Philadelphia and volunteers in the area to aid people who are less fortunate. He also promotes young people’s involvement in the performing arts inside the Philadelphia School System.
Music career
Teenaged Holman and his family later relocated to Philadelphia where he attended Cheyney State University and graduated with music degree. It was also in Philadelphia where the town’s budding soul scene bloomed with Holman’s style. In 1965, he released his first hit with “This Can’t Be True” which peaked at #17 on the US R&B chart and followed by a string of hits such as “Am I a Loser From the Start” (1966), “I Love You” (1969), “Don’t Stop Now” (1970), and “Cathy Called” (1970). After he sang in some Philly-based groups, Holman issued “Hey There Lonely Girl” in 1969 which was his biggest hit, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1970. Holman’s “Hey There Lonely Girl” was actually a remake of the Ruby and the Romantics’ 1963 hit “Hey There Lonely Boy.”
In the Present
After having few more hits, Holman quit making records and devoted his life as an ordained Baptist minister. Today he is still living in Philadelphia where he operates his own record company, Agape Records. His band, Eddie Holman Band is still active, embarking on tours up to this day.