Former Strictly and Parkinson Musical Director Laurence Holloway Dies Aged 86

Laurence "Laurie" Holloway, well-known as a musical director for the show Strictly Come Dancing and the talk show Parkinson, has passed away at the age of 86, as confirmed by his family.

Holloway, an English composer, began his career as a pianist in dance bands. He died on Thursday after a "short illness," according to his daughter, Abigail Holloway.

Throughout his successful career, Holloway worked with a variety of notable musicians including Engelbert Humperdinck, Sir Tom Jones, Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr., Gilbert O'Sullivan, Mel Torme, Bob Monkhouse, Barry Humphries, Ronnie Corbett, and his late wife, Marion Montgomery.

His family issued a heartfelt statement saying, "Our father was a much-loved and wonderful person. An inspiration to his family, those he worked with, and many who followed his illustrious musical career. He was extremely proud of the charity, The Montgomery Holloway Music Trust, which he created with his late wife, supporting young singers, for which he was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. He will be deeply missed and remembered with great affection."

Marion Montgomery, an American jazz singer who resided in England for over 30 years, gained fame as a regular singer on Sir Michael Parkinson's chat show, where Holloway later served as the musical director. Montgomery passed away in Bray, Berkshire, in 2002 at the age of 67.

Holloway was the musical director during the first three seasons of Strictly Come Dancing, which first aired in 2004. In 2013, he was honored with an MBE for his contributions to music.

During his investiture, Holloway recounted playing piano for the Queen and Princess Margaret at Buckingham Palace, as well as recording nursery rhymes for the Queen Mother’s 90th birthday. He shared, "I don’t think she remembered, but I reminded her."

Besides his work on popular shows, Holloway is recognized for composing TV theme tunes for programs such as Blind Date, Game For A Laugh, and Beadle’s About. In 1993, he received a gold badge from the Ivors Academy, which was formerly known as the British Academy of Songwriters Composers and Authors (BASCA). He also contributed to the recording of Petula Clark’s iconic 1960s hit, Downtown.

Holloway is survived by his daughters, Karon and Abigail, as well as his three grandsons: Freddie, Henry, and Alfie.

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