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Jack Holden papers

 Collection
Identifier: M041

Scope and Content of the Papers

The Jack Holden Papers contain photocopies of correspondence, clippings, music, and radio station publicity materials relating primarily to the career of Jack Holden and to the Holden Brothers performing duo. Also found in the materials is the photocopied sheet music for two songs, "No Wars in Heaven" and "Standing By His Side." The photographs include images of Jack Holden, Fairley Holden, the Holden Brothers, and a variety of other country musicians, as well as one image of an undated handbill advertising an appearance of the Holden Brothers.

Dates

  • circa 1939-circa 1976

Creator

Restrictions on Access

Unrestricted access.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

To quote in print, or otherwise reproduce in whole or in part in any publication, including on the Worldwide Web, any material from this collection, the researcher must obtain permission from (1) the owner of the physical property and (2) the holder of the copyright. Persons wishing to quote from this collection should consult the reference archivist to determine copyright holders for information in this collection. Reproduction of any item must contain the complete citation to the original.

Biography of Jack Holden

Jack Holden, who was born Milton Jackson in Pickens County, Georgia on March 13, 1915, grew up listening to gospel music and learned to play guitar from one of his uncles. During the 1930s he teamed up with Fairley Holden, who also played guitar, and the two put together a guitar and vocal duo. They began performing together on a freelance basis, and soon after started their radio career on WATL in Atlanta. In 1936 they moved to Akron, Ohio, where they eventually chose for themselves the name "The Holden Brothers." From 1936 through the opening of World War II, the Holden Brothers built an active and successful performing career. Shortly after their wartime service, Jack and Fairley followed separate careers, reuniting only for a brief period during 1947 and 1948. Jack moved to Atlanta in 1949, where he continued a performing and radio career. His wife, Frances Thompson Holden (using the stage name "Frances Kay") frequently performed and co-authored songs with him.

Extent

0.2 Linear Feet (in 5 folders)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract:

Jack Holden (born Milton Jackson) teamed up with Fairley Holden as a guitar and vocal duo on WATL in Atlanta. The pair moved to Ohio and built an active and successful performing career as "The Holden Brothers." After wartime service, they followed separate careers. Jack moved to Atlanta in 1949, where he continued a performing and radio career, frequently performing with his wife, Frances Thompson Holden (using the stage name "Frances Kay"). The Jack Holden papers contain photocopies of correspondence, clippings, music, and radio station publicity materials relating to the careers of Holden and the Holden Brothers, and 27 photographs of them and other musicians.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Jack Holden, April 4, 1985 (M1985-07).

Related Archival Materials

Related Materials in This Repository

  1. Wayne W. Daniel collection, 1891-2007 (M108)
The Popular Music and Culture Collection includes numerous photographs that have been digitized and are available online in Georgia State University Library Digital Collections.

Separated Materials:

During processing various materials were separated to other Popular Music and Culture Music Collections. Consult the University Library's online catalog or contact Special Collections for access to sheet music.

Popular Music Sheet Music Collection

  1. Standing By His Side
  2. No Wars in Heaven

Bibliography

A longer and more thorough history of Jack Holden and the Holden Brothers may be found in:
  • Daniel, Wayne. "Roots of Bluegrass: The Holden Brothers," Bluegrass Unlimited 16/5 (November 1981): 24-30.

Processing Information

Processed by Christopher Ann Paton and Christine de Catanzaro at the file level, October 29, 1991.

Subjects

Related Names

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Jack Holden:
Subtitle
A Guide to His Papers at Georgia State University Library
Status
Completed
Author
Georgia State University Library
Date
October 29, 1991
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Revision Statements

  • October 1998: Finding aid revised.
  • June 27, 2008: EAD finding aid created by William Hardesty.

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Repository

https://library.gsu.edu/special-collections/about/
Contact:
100 Decatur St., S.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
404-413-2880
404-413-2881 (Fax)

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