Former Musical Director Laurence Holloway Passes Away at 86

Laurence "Laurie" Holloway, the accomplished musical director known for his work on popular shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and the talk show Parkinson, has died at the age of 86, as confirmed by his family.

Holloway, an English composer who initially performed as a pianist in dance bands, passed away on Thursday following a ‘short illness’, according to his daughter Abigail. The news was shared with the PA news agency.

Throughout his distinguished career, Holloway had the opportunity to collaborate with notable musicians including Engelbert Humperdinck, Sir Tom Jones, Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr., Gilbert O’Sullivan, Mel Tormé, Bob Monkhouse, Barry Humphries, and Ronnie Corbett, in addition to working with his late wife, Marion Montgomery.

A Loving Family and Musical Legacy

In a heartfelt statement, his family remembered him as "a much-loved and wonderful person". They described him as an inspiration to his family, colleagues, and fans of his impressive musical journey.

Holloway was particularly proud of the charity he established with Marion, the Montgomery Holloway Music Trust, which supports young singers. In recognition of his contributions to music, he was appointed an MBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Marion Montgomery, an American jazz singer, gained fame in the 1960s and 1970s as the resident singer on Sir Michael Parkinson’s chat show, where Holloway later served as the musical director. Montgomery sadly passed away in 2002 at the age of 67.

Celebrities and Achievements

Holloway held the position of musical director for the first three seasons of Strictly Come Dancing, which premiered in 2004. In 2013, he received an MBE for his services to music.

During his investiture, Holloway shared with the Queen about the time he played piano for her and Princess Margaret at Buckingham Palace, as well as recording nursery rhymes for the Queen Mother’s 90th birthday. He jokingly noted, “I don’t think she remembered, but I reminded her.”

He was also known for composing theme music for popular television shows such as Cilla Black’s Blind Date, Game For A Laugh, and Beadle’s About. In 1993, he received a gold badge from the Ivors Academy, when it was known as the British Academy of Songwriters Composers and Authors (BASCA).

Holloway contributed to the recording of Petula Clark’s iconic 1960s hit “Downtown”. He is survived by his daughters Karon and Abigail, as well as three grandsons, Freddie, Henry, and Alfie.

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