Discovering Unique Voices: Celebrating John Holiday

Every other Friday, I write a post about singers with unique voices not commonly heard in mainstream music. My goal? To educate emerging artists, music lovers, and musical theatre creators while inspiring them to embrace their own quirks. This week, I'm excited to dive into the world of John Holiday.

Photo by Shervin Lainez

A Unique Talent in the Opera Scene

At last, we have an opera singer on the Unique Voices Club! And one that's totally unlike anything you've heard before! John Holiday practically grew up in the genre (outside of his house), having sung with the Fort Bend Boys Choir in Texas and with the Houston Symphony. He blends opera seamlessly with jazz, gospel, and pop. Unlike most men in the genre, though, he possesses a countertenor range that fits alto and mezzo-soprano roles. Honestly, it almost surpasses mine as a coloratura soprano! If you're a musical theatre composer or songwriter who works within the opera genre, you need to follow this guy. Watch the video below, and you'll figure out why:

The Roots of His Musical Journey

As an artist, John was heavily influenced by the African-American church and traditional gospel singing. He also soaked up the blues and soul music his grandmother, a talented pianist, played. Interestingly, he didn't discover opera until college! Before that, he was busy playing saxophone and drums in the marching band. Fun fact: he was the first African-American drum major!

But the high range was always there, even through the struggles of finding repertoire that felt comfortable. When his professor had him sing "Caro Nome," she exclaimed, "You're a countertenor. That's who you are." (This reminds me of a voice teacher I had in my senior year who had me belting Dowland's "Come Again" in A major all year—shoutout to Dr. Z!) Now, John is an Associate Professor of Voice at the University of Maryland School of Music, investing in the next generation.

Breaking Barriers in Opera

There aren't many opera singers of color that one could name off the tops of their heads, besides legends like Jessye Norman and Marian Anderson. Yet, John stands out not just for his voice but for his ability to combine genres in a way that's refreshing and innovative. His artistry challenges the norms and opens doors for others to follow in his footsteps.

Embracing Authenticity in Music

If you’re interested in the movement of investing in the next generation of music lovers and musical theatre creators, consider signing up for the Firebird Flock for as little as $14 a month. You'll gain access to a forum where you can share other unique voices you discover. Plus, you'll play a part in educating creatives and empowering them to embrace their own authentic eccentricities when creating their art. In a time when the arts are being targeted, there's real power in numbers and in the unconventional.

Conclusion: Celebrate Unique Voices

In conclusion, John Holiday is not just an opera singer; he's a trailblazer. His unique blend of genres and commitment to education make him a vital part of the music community. So, let’s celebrate artists like John who inspire us to embrace our quirks and authenticity.

Stay educated,

Alexia