Michael Holliday sings one of the great standards "The Folks Who Live On The Hill". This song appears on the 1959 album called "Mike" which is now on CD coupled with "Holliday Mixture" a fine 2lps on CD.
That's a bit fatuous of Bing. But then, Bing had the good old-fashioned sense of humour so I am sure he must have followed it up with something self-depracatory.
Such a stunning voice. Look at his nervousness, though...picking at his thumbs, choosing words. All he said was, "my producer chose this (because I sing it beautifully), so please pardon me while I try to deliver it in a way that you'll like." Such applause. Brilliant.
First time I've heard him. I'm in the US. He was a very talented man. Too bad he's gone. I will be listening to his singing on TH-cam. He now has a new fan.
Magnificent! Such a sympathetic, warm person, our Michael. The greatest rendition of this sentimental song. Brings a lump to my throat every time I hear.
Guy Lombardo scored with this one in 1937, and he reportedly was very pleased with what Michael Holliday did with his song. A magnificent talent whose early passing was a tragedy. He is greatly missed.
Hi, Robert Murphy. I am a huge Michael Holliday fan. In the autobiography, it is stated regularly that he was always late for bookings, was utterly useless at learning and remembering lines and was a complete scatter brain! Apparent, the only meeting he was EVER on time for was the first meeting with his hero and inspiration. Bing Crosby! A truly incredible talent with a tragic ending.
I met him in Jersey, 1963, exchanged a few pleasantries, a very nice guy. I was so shocked to hear of his death , only a few weeks later, especially as it was suicide. According to one source, he, (unbelievably) suffered badly from stage fright and anxiety.So sad.
Such a great singer and such a shame he died so young and so tragically. One of Britain's greatest singers of all time. I once met him on a Sunday morning in 1957 on Euston Station where he was heading back up north and on the same morning saw the Busby babes returning to Manchester. Many of the young men whose autographs I got then were not long for the world as the Munich Air disaster was in the near future as was Michael's sad demise.
Could've been Bing Crosby, many inflections so similar. Wonderful rendition, and style, the whole package a pleasure - I knew nothing about him - just checking the different versions of this lovely song and his is a beauty.
He was 20 years Bing's junior, so you can imagine his style was defined by Bing Crosby's. There was no coincidence, but a simple idol-to-follower or master-to-student assimilation.
Well.It's just perfect. I've sat here--as is my wont--listening to the myriad and various interpretations, and with the exception of Mel Torme's, have not been happy with any of them, except for this. He's delightful. Nice, baritone voice a la Bing and nice straightforward interpretation. Hardly any interpretation, really: He lets the song interpret itself without much ado, and the winsomeness comes through!
What a great arrangement and performance of this fine song. Thanks so much, UKIPAY, for providing my first exposure to this gifted artist who left us all too soon.
The sad and untimely passing of Michael Holliday left a big void in the wonderful but now long forgotten music of yesteryear. He was one of the last of the great crooners and is sadly missed and unforgettable.
I've never heard of this man, and he's WONDERFUL!!! Thank you for posting. Looking forward to finding more of his music. This was beautiful, and very Bing-like.....which is how I stumbled onto this clip. Wow. Beautiful.
What a great voice. I was looking for some songs to sing and record for my pleasure( I might put some on You Tube!)and listened to Mike's song. Beautifully sung and perfectly recorded. They sound crisp and wonderful.
Beautiful song, amazing voice, shame about his tragic life, with respect from a fellow Liverpudlian. Another version by Peggy Lee, I think, is featured on the Terence Davies film "Of Time and the City" a must for all scousers. Thanks for posting.
I heard MH for the first time ever on youtube and my first impression is he not only sounds like Bing Crosby he sings "easier" than BC. Just because someone sounds like BC doesn't mean he's "impersonating". MH obviously had a natural beautiful tenor voice with fantastic resonant low register. Wished I'd heard of him sooner but I'll get my fill now, thanks very very much for posting.
There was more than one, cry for help suicide attempt. Related to his use of sleeping tablets. It is speculated that he had a few drinks at the club, although he did not usually drink, and that combined with the pain killers were the final lethal cocktail. so so sad. A very flawed, very human genius.
Great singer Michael holliday who sang just like his personal hero bing Crosby, holliday was from Liverpool + died young, I love the song iron fence thanx to my late father Peter who had the song it was a B side on a single, strangely it's the one song u can't get from iTunes?...thanx for uploading..
Can anyone please help me! Mike Holiday was my grandfather's favourite, together with Bing. Anyone know where I can find "SOMEDAY THERE'LL BE NO MORE OLD FOLKS" A song he'd sing.
Dear +Jim Stark Thank you so much for the information, Mr Stark. Unfortunately, I've been unable to locate a recording of this song, part of which I'm even able to recall, word for word. As I said, it means a lot because of my Grandad, Charles Jackson, who was a master barber with two shops in Liverpool before moving to Lancaster in 1956 where he bought the salon he ran which I remember as a child, (at the time, just yards from Bowerham Barracks, which closed in the early 1970s which together with "the era of long hair" served to put him out of business). Anyway, I'll keep trying. I can "whatever the aural equivalent of visualise is" still hear him sing it. Since my own natural father deserted my mother in 1970, he was to all intents my own father before we lost him after a sudden and brief illness in 1981 (aged 72). Once again, I really appreciate your replying to me inquiry. Sorry for the delay in my replying to you. With Kind Regards Howard Downes
"Old Folks" was released by Willard Robison on the Capitol Label, Capitol F15567. It is a rare record these days, but I believe we have a copy in our collection. I will hunt this one down in our record vault. Will come back to you next week.
Michael blows a line in the opening verse by singing ,- "We will always be called " instead of "We would LIKE to be called ," thus spoiling the continuity intended in the lyric that unfolds during the song. He more than realises what he has done , and you will notice his wide eyed stare to mask his chagrin. This is a blinding version of this song.
Well spotted. I've just downloaded his recording, and you are quite right about the way the lyrics were written. Still a cracking performance though, and such a superb orchestral arrangement. I've probably played it 20 times plus.
In answer to a lot of comments referring to severe stage fright as the only reason for his suicide, there were many other factors. None of which seem to tie in with Freddie Mills. It was coincidence that Michael was in his club the night before he died. whilst they knew each other, they were not hugely Close friends as some rumours and speculation have suggested.
From an era when singers really sang, not shouted. Volume is not a sign of talent. Michael, along with Matt Monroe were the best singers England produced.
I followed Micheal from hi Early days on Belfast TV Studios. He preformed most of Bings Songs hence his was Irelands answer to Bing. He had a great relaxing style. As for his Suicide well I dont buy that, his Partner in the nightclub was Freddy Mills and they say he shot himself. I beleve both were the victims of Gangland Protection racket.
Well that's what I read on Wikipedia. They expand on it to include deep social anxiety , that disabled many sufferer's. Anyone who meets the public and has to perform etc. It usually does, eventually result in suicide for many. Maybe today, there is a better understanding and more modern none habitual drugs. The Wikipedia issue also shows Michael's modest Grave , which includes his mother, who died only 2 years later.
only what's on TH-cam I guess. I do have a 30 minute video of Russ Conway's THIS IS YOUR LIFE, but it's poor quality, and Mike is interviewed on there for about 5 mins.
Yes, it doesn't add up. I remember Mike on TV in the late 1950's. He was so laid back and cool. which made him completely the opposite of all the young ''Rock'' guys ,who wanted to be like Elvis.(all shook up). Mike had a really unique idea, at least to my 17 year old eyes. He'd sing duet with himself , which came from a Tape recorder on view, in the TV studio. It was a popular idea and his songs were so suited to it.
Beautiful song, amazing voice, shame about his tragic life, with respect from a fellow Liverpudlian. Another version by Peggy Lee, I think, is featured on the Terence Davies film "Of Time and the City" a must for all scousers. Thanks for posting.
Beautiful voice indeed , thank you 🙏
What a beautiful voice and song 😅😻
This is the finest version of this great song.
He was paid the ultimate compliment by Bing Crosby who said "when I first heard that guy, i thought I was listening to myself" he is the best
That's a bit fatuous of Bing. But then, Bing had the good old-fashioned sense of humour so I am sure he must have followed it up with something self-depracatory.
One of the most magnificent voices to ever grace a microphone. He is greatly, greatly missed.
Such a stunning voice. Look at his nervousness, though...picking at his thumbs, choosing words. All he said was, "my producer chose this (because I sing it beautifully), so please pardon me while I try to deliver it in a way that you'll like."
Such applause. Brilliant.
He would have been nervous , he suffered from ' stage fright '. Nevertheless , one of the all time British greats !
That's really good singing
God what a talented singer n major tragedy he passing away so young as good a voice as anyone
He is more vulnerable than Bing. He goes deeper.
One of the greatest of voices.
First time I've heard him. I'm in the US. He was a very talented man. Too bad he's gone.
I will be listening to his singing on TH-cam. He now has a new fan.
Oh what a lovely find, he sings wonderfully, Until I had never heard of him. Great production values too
I heard about him even before Jim Reeves, growing up in India. My dad had told me about him. Love his music. R.I.P., Michael.
Is Jim Reeves still popular in India?
Magnificent! Such a sympathetic, warm person, our Michael. The greatest rendition of this sentimental song. Brings a lump to my throat every time I hear.
Guy Lombardo scored with this one in 1937, and he reportedly was very pleased with what Michael Holliday did with his song. A magnificent talent whose early passing was a tragedy. He is greatly missed.
This is the best arrangement and performance of this song, ever. Just my humble opinion.
I agree!
@@MarcusTomatos This is very very nice & Michael does a great vocal, but the best arrangement ever is Peggy Lee - utterly beautiful
@@SonofFrenzi Not heard that one, I'll track it down.
Gloria Lynne does a very nice version
Not just your opinion, mine too!
Hi, Robert Murphy. I am a huge Michael Holliday fan. In the autobiography, it is stated regularly that he was always late for bookings, was utterly useless at learning and remembering lines and was a complete scatter brain!
Apparent, the only meeting he was EVER on time for was the first meeting with his hero and inspiration. Bing Crosby!
A truly incredible talent with a tragic ending.
Supremely talented and handsome guy who had the world at his feet, terribly sad ending!
Omg...he does sound like Bing...I've never heard of him, what a nice discovery
I met him in Jersey, 1963, exchanged a few pleasantries, a very nice guy. I was so shocked to hear of his death , only a few weeks later, especially as it was suicide. According to one source, he, (unbelievably) suffered badly from stage fright and anxiety.So sad.
WOW what a voice and talent.
Such a great singer and such a shame he died so young and so tragically. One of Britain's greatest singers of all time. I once met him on a Sunday morning in 1957 on Euston Station where he was heading back up north and on the same morning saw the Busby babes returning to Manchester. Many of the young men whose autographs I got then were not long for the world as the Munich Air disaster was in the near future as was Michael's sad demise.
Could've been Bing Crosby, many inflections so similar. Wonderful rendition, and style, the whole package a pleasure - I knew nothing about him - just checking the different versions of this lovely song and his is a beauty.
He was 20 years Bing's junior, so you can imagine his style was defined by Bing Crosby's. There was no coincidence, but a simple idol-to-follower or master-to-student assimilation.
Well.It's just perfect. I've sat here--as is my wont--listening to the myriad and various interpretations, and with the exception of Mel Torme's, have not been happy with any of them, except for this. He's delightful. Nice, baritone voice a la Bing and nice straightforward interpretation. Hardly any interpretation, really: He lets the song interpret itself without much ado, and the winsomeness comes through!
yes good word, winsomeness.
Never heard of him before. He sings with ease, just like Perry Como. Well done
Such a tragic end to this great singers life. He has left a treasure house filled with wonderful renditions of great songs.
Thanks for sharing.
What a great arrangement and performance of this fine song. Thanks so much, UKIPAY, for providing my first exposure to this gifted artist who left us all too soon.
Lovely voice. Miss him. Far away, yet near.
A lovely voice...remember watching him on TV...died too young...thanks for posting...
The sad and untimely passing of Michael Holliday left a big void in the wonderful but now long forgotten music of yesteryear. He was one of the last of the great crooners and is sadly missed and unforgettable.
A magnificent voice! This was the first time that I've heard his singing or even knew of him. He sounds a lot like Bing!
I've never heard of this man, and he's WONDERFUL!!! Thank you for posting. Looking forward to finding more of his music. This was beautiful, and very Bing-like.....which is how I stumbled onto this clip. Wow. Beautiful.
Wonderful performance - love his voice.
Wow.. never heard of him. He was really good! I was on TH-cam looking for the Sinatra version and discovered this clip. I'd like to hear more..
wow your right, he does sound like Bing. I've never heard of this guy, but he has a beautiful voice.
The Man Who Would Be Bing!...terribly affected by stage fright and self-doubt, he ended up taking his life.
What a great voice. I was looking for some songs to sing and record for my pleasure( I might put some on You Tube!)and listened to Mike's song. Beautifully sung and perfectly recorded. They sound crisp and wonderful.
Beautiful song, amazing voice, shame about his tragic life, with respect from a fellow Liverpudlian. Another version by Peggy Lee, I think, is featured on the Terence Davies film "Of Time and the City" a must for all scousers. Thanks for posting.
One of Britain's best!
The expressive sadness was a fearful stage fright and this depressed him very much. I'd like to have heard the songs he could have sung had he lived!
He was very popular when I was a teen He was know as "Britians Bing"
I used to watch the Michael Holiday Show on BBC. He represents a more decent time in our history.
Remember him singing with himself and a tape recorder?
I heard MH for the first time ever on youtube and my first impression is he not only sounds like Bing Crosby he sings "easier" than BC. Just because someone sounds like BC doesn't mean he's "impersonating". MH obviously had a natural beautiful tenor voice with fantastic resonant low register. Wished I'd heard of him sooner but I'll get my fill now, thanks very very much for posting.
There was more than one, cry for help suicide attempt. Related to his use of sleeping tablets.
It is speculated that he had a few drinks at the club, although he did not usually drink, and that combined with the pain killers were the final lethal cocktail. so so sad. A very flawed, very human genius.
James Tudor ... wow. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. His story sounds so bittersweet.
James Tudor
Flawed,but Genius No at all just a Crooner,nothing earth shattering or inventive.he was Old fashioned in 1960.
I'm sure that Bob Hope would never tell the difference between Bing an Michael, if he were to hear their recordings.
Wow! this guy sounded more like Bing than Bing. Fine voice. Tragic life story.
Great singer Michael holliday who sang just like his personal hero bing Crosby, holliday was from Liverpool + died young, I love the song iron fence thanx to my late father Peter who had the song it was a B side on a single, strangely it's the one song u can't get from iTunes?...thanx for uploading..
Can anyone please help me!
Mike Holiday was my grandfather's favourite, together with Bing.
Anyone know where I can find "SOMEDAY THERE'LL BE NO MORE OLD FOLKS"
A song he'd sing.
Dear +Jim Stark
Thank you so much for the information, Mr Stark.
Unfortunately, I've been unable to locate a recording of this song, part of which I'm even able to recall, word for word. As I said, it means a lot because of my Grandad, Charles Jackson, who was a master barber with two shops in Liverpool before moving to Lancaster in 1956 where he bought the salon he ran which I remember as a child, (at the time, just yards from Bowerham Barracks, which closed in the early 1970s which together with "the era of long hair" served to put him out of business).
Anyway, I'll keep trying. I can "whatever the aural equivalent of visualise is" still hear him sing it. Since my own natural father deserted my mother in 1970, he was to all intents my own father before we lost him after a sudden and brief illness in 1981 (aged 72).
Once again, I really appreciate your replying to me inquiry. Sorry for the delay in my replying to you.
With Kind Regards
Howard Downes
"Old Folks" was released by Willard Robison on the Capitol Label, Capitol F15567. It is a rare record these days, but I believe we have a copy in our collection. I will hunt this one down in our record vault. Will come back to you next week.
Michael blows a line in the opening verse by singing ,- "We will always be called " instead of "We would LIKE to be called ," thus spoiling the continuity intended in the lyric that unfolds during the song. He more than realises what he has done , and you will notice his wide eyed stare to mask his chagrin. This is a blinding version of this song.
I thought it was absolutely fine.
Well spotted. I've just downloaded his recording, and you are quite right about the way the lyrics were written. Still a cracking performance though, and such a superb orchestral arrangement. I've probably played it 20 times plus.
In answer to a lot of comments referring to severe stage fright as the only reason for his suicide, there were many other factors.
None of which seem to tie in with Freddie Mills. It was coincidence that Michael was in his club the night before he died. whilst they knew each other, they were not hugely Close friends as some rumours and speculation have suggested.
I didnt know anything about this wonderful performer until just recently, my he sings like Bing, that wont have done his career any good
did you see him on This Is Your Life when the featured guest was Russ Conway? 1959.
Yes, I remember that.
I now wonder why Terence Davies didn't use Michael's version of folks on hill in his film "Of Time and the City "
From an era when singers really sang, not shouted. Volume is not a sign of talent. Michael, along with Matt Monroe were the best singers England produced.
Al Bowlly?
Well, he did have a reputation of sounding like Bing!
Do you have Miracle of Monday Morning?
I followed Micheal from hi Early days on Belfast TV Studios.
He preformed most of Bings Songs hence his was Irelands answer to Bing. He had a great relaxing style.
As for his Suicide well I dont buy that, his Partner in the nightclub was Freddy Mills and they say he shot himself. I beleve both were the victims of Gangland Protection racket.
@brabazon10 Now that, I would've loved to have seen. Are there any clips available? I always liked both Mike and Russ. Both are sadly missed.
Russ Conway committed suicide too.
@@MrDaiseymay He most certainly did not. He died in hospital from cancer in 2000.
Can you upload "Miracle of Monday Morning"?
He suffered from stage-fright.
Well that's what I read on Wikipedia. They expand on it to include deep social anxiety , that disabled many sufferer's. Anyone who meets the public and has to perform etc. It usually does, eventually result in suicide for many. Maybe today, there is a better understanding and more modern none habitual drugs. The Wikipedia issue also shows Michael's modest Grave , which includes his mother, who died only 2 years later.
only what's on TH-cam I guess. I do have a 30 minute video of Russ Conway's THIS IS YOUR LIFE, but it's poor quality, and Mike is interviewed on there for about 5 mins.
Anyone who Writes about Mike are only Guessing .
i can't believe this man suffered from straight fright and that that would later be the cause of his suicide...
Yes, it doesn't add up. I remember Mike on TV in the late 1950's. He was so laid back and cool. which made him completely the opposite of all the young ''Rock'' guys ,who wanted to be like Elvis.(all shook up). Mike had a really unique idea, at least to my 17 year old eyes. He'd sing duet with himself , which came from a Tape recorder on view, in the TV studio. It was a popular idea and his songs were so suited to it.
Beautiful song, amazing voice, shame about his tragic life, with respect from a fellow Liverpudlian. Another version by Peggy Lee, I think, is featured on the Terence Davies film "Of Time and the City" a must for all scousers. Thanks for posting.