Holand K. Smith was born in Arlington, Texas and was named after his great great uncle, but grew up using his middle name Kraig. Although it is said that his mother apologised for calling him Holland he now reckons it to be a great stage name.
Holland comes from a musical family, his father played banjo and his mother sings “like a nightingale” according to her proud son. Although at around aged nine he started playing piano it wasn`t long before he moved to giutar and started taking lessons, including classical lessons. His parents soon realised that the way to keep Holland out of trouble was to take away his guitar rather than the usual punishment of grounding.
The Eagles were popular when Holland was growing up but he would check out radio stations that played the Blues. He formed his first band when he was in his early twenties. It wasn`t until the early eighties after discussions with a co-worker who introduced him to artists like The Fabulous Thunderbirds, which included Kim Wilson and Texas guitar slinger Jimmie Vaughan that Holland realised he was hooked. And then when he heard Dallas native and guitar player extraordinaire Anson Funderburgh, his fate was sealed.
As well as playing the Blues Holland was writing the Blues but never felt encouraged by anyone to continue until about six years ago he entered a song he`d written into a contest he saw in 'Buddy Magazine`. He`d recorded the song called 'Long Tall Texan` on a tape machine his bass player had in his front room. He sent it in to 'Top Cat Records who were putting together a compilation CD of local bands. Top Cat called him up and invited him into a real recording studio to record the song and that`s how his relationship with label started.
Holland continues to live in Arlington but is a regular visitor to the DFW area where he performs at a number of the local Blues bars. Hopefully a visit to these shores is included in his future plans.
Holland comes from a musical family, his father played banjo and his mother sings “like a nightingale” according to her proud son. Although at around aged nine he started playing piano it wasn`t long before he moved to giutar and started taking lessons, including classical lessons. His parents soon realised that the way to keep Holland out of trouble was to take away his guitar rather than the usual punishment of grounding.
The Eagles were popular when Holland was growing up but he would check out radio stations that played the Blues. He formed his first band when he was in his early twenties. It wasn`t until the early eighties after discussions with a co-
Holland continues to live in Arlington but is a regular visitor to the DFW area where he performs at a number of the local Blues bars. Hopefully a visit to these shores is included in his future plans.
Holand K. Smith was born in Arlington, Texas and was named after his great great uncle, but grew up using his middle name Kraig. Although it is said that his mother apologised for calling him Holland he now reckons it to be a great stage name.
