Jools Holland

Jools Holland
Name	Julian Miles "Jools" Holland
Caption	Holland in 2012
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Julian Miles Holland
Birth date	1958-01-24
Birth place	Blackheath, London
Genres	Rhythm and blues, Boogie-woogie, Rock and roll, Jazz
Occupations	Musician, broadcaster, pianist, bandleader, composer
Years active	1976–present
Associated acts	Squeeze, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison

Jools Holland. Julian Miles "Jools" Holland is an English pianist, bandleader, television presenter, and broadcaster known for his work in rock music, rhythm and blues, and boogie-woogie styles. He gained prominence as co-founder and keyboardist of the new wave group Squeeze (band), and later for presenting the long-running television series Later... with Jools Holland and hosting radio shows on BBC Radio 2. Holland is also noted for his leadership of the Jools Holland Big Band and extensive session and collaborative work with prominent figures in popular music.

Early life and education

Holland was born in Blackheath, London and grew up in Dartford, attending Dartford Grammar School and later Sidcup School before studying at Cambridge School of Art affiliates and receiving informal musical training from local players. His parents exposed him to jazz and skiffle records, and he was influenced by pianists such as Fats Domino, Otis Spann, Meade "Lux" Lewis and Pinetop Perkins. As a teenager he played with community ensembles and supported emerging scenes around London venues like The Marquee Club, 100 Club, and The Roundhouse.

Musical career

Holland co-founded the band Squeeze (band) with schoolfriend Chris Difford and songwriter Glenn Tilbrook, contributing distinctive piano and songwriting arrangements to albums including East Side Story and Argybargy. After leaving Squeeze he formed the Jools Holland Big Band, later known as the Jools Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, featuring musicians from The Who, Small Faces, The Rolling Stones, and The Kinks associations. His solo releases and live performances blended blues standards, soul repertoire and original compositions, leading to tours across Europe, North America, and festivals such as Glastonbury Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, and Montreux Jazz Festival.

Television and radio work

Holland became widely known as the presenter of the BBC music show Later... with Jools Holland, which showcased artists from rock music, pop music, folk music, electronic music and hip hop. He has interviewed and performed with guests from David Bowie and Nina Simone to Radiohead and Beyoncé, and has presented special television events including Jools Holland's Annual Hootenanny and tribute programmes for Levon Helm, Aretha Franklin, and Ray Charles. On radio he has hosted programmes on BBC Radio 2 and appeared on BBC Radio 1 sessions, championing acts from Amy Winehouse to Sharon Jones and introducing new talents on live broadcasts.

Collaborations and session work

Holland has recorded and performed with a wide range of artists across genres, including Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Elton John, David Gilmour, Sting, Mark Knopfler, Robert Plant, Mick Jagger, Bryan Ferry, Joe Cocker, Annie Lennox, Seal, Sinead O'Connor, Rod Stewart, Bette Midler, Tom Jones, Rufus Wainwright, Leonard Cohen, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Shirley Bassey, Dusty Springfield, Paul Weller, Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, Iggy Pop, John Lee Hooker, Mavis Staples, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Bo Diddley, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Etta James, Ben E. King, Carole King, Vanessa-Mae and many others. He has contributed piano parts, arrangements and production work on studio albums, film soundtracks, and live charity concerts such as Live Aid and Concert for Diana-adjacent events.

Discography

Holland's discography spans solo albums, orchestral recordings and live sessions. Notable albums include collaborations and releases that feature guest vocalists from Norah Jones, Lucinda Williams, Rufus Wainwright, Imelda May, Joss Stone, Kelis, Mavis Staples, Bobby Womack, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Graham Parker, Mike Scott, Vanessa Carlton, Caroline Ailin, and session players linked to The Band, Booker T. & the M.G.'s, Stax Records alumni, and Motown Records influences. His live albums document performances at venues such as Royal Albert Hall, Hammersmith Apollo, and broadcasts from BBC Television Centre.

Awards and honours

Holland has received honours for his contributions to music and broadcasting, including recognition from institutions such as the Brit Awards, nominations in Ivor Novello Awards, and civic honours from Mayor of London-affiliated events. He has been awarded lifetime achievement acknowledgements by festival organizations and music industry bodies including Music Producers Guild events and archival institutions like the British Library and Birmingham Conservatoire-linked celebrations. He has been appointed in national honours lists and has served as patron for cultural trusts and music education charities.

Personal life and philanthropy

Holland has been involved with charitable causes and arts education initiatives, supporting organizations such as Help Musicians UK, Nordoff Robbins, Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, and local arts charities in London and Kent. He has participated in benefit concerts for Médecins Sans Frontières, Oxfam, and disaster relief events. Holland's personal interests include football club patronage, collecting vintage pianos and advocating for music venues and archives; he divides his time between residences in London and the Kent countryside.

Category:English pianists Category:English broadcasters Category:Living people Category:1958 births