Former Strictly and Parkinson musical director Laurence Holloway dies aged 86

Laurence “Laurie” Holloway, a former musical director on Strictly Come Dancing and speak present Parkinson, has died aged 86, his household have confirmed. The English composer, who began off as a pianist in dance bands, died after a “brief sickness” on Thursday, his daughter Abigail Holloway instructed the PA information company. Throughout his profession, the jazz musician labored with the singer Engelbert Humperdinck, Sir Tom Jones, Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Mel Torme, Bob Monkhouse, Barry Humphries and Ronnie Corbett alongside along with his late spouse Marion Montgomery. A press release from his household stated: “Our father was a a lot cherished and great individual. “An inspiration to his household, these he labored with and plenty of who adopted his illustrious musical profession. “He was extraordinarily pleased with the charity The Montgomery Holloway Music Belief that he created along with his late spouse the singer Marion Montgomery supporting younger singers, for which he was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. “He might be deeply missed and remembered with nice affection.” American jazz singer Montgomery, who had lived in England for greater than 30 years, grew to become a family identify within the 1960s and 1970s when she was a resident singer on Sir Michael Parkinson’s chat present, the place Holloway was later a musical director. Montgomery died in Bray, Berkshire, aged 67 in 2002. Holloway was the musical director for the primary three seasons of Strictly Come Dancing, which started in 2004. In 2013, Holloway grew to become an MBE for providers to music. At his investiture ceremony, he instructed the late Queen of the time he performed piano for her and Princess Margaret at Buckingham Palace, and recorded nursery rhymes for the Queen Mom’s 90th birthday. “I don’t suppose she remembered, however I reminded her,” he stated. Holloway can be recognized for composing TV theme tunes together with for Cilla Black sport present Blind Date, sport present Recreation For A Chuckle and hidden digital camera programme Beadle’s About. He acquired a gold badge from the Ivors Academy in 1993, when the physique was generally known as the British Academy of Songwriters Composers and Authors . The composer additionally contributed to the recording of Petula Clark’s 1960s hit Downtown. Holloway is survived by his daughters, Karon and Abigail and three grandsons Freddie, Henry and Alfie.