The Hollies

The Hollies are a British rock group from Lancashire, active from 1963 to the present. They form part of the beat and pop tradition of the 1960s and are also associated with baroque pop, pop rock and psychedelic pop. The group is known for its close vocal harmonies and for remaining a long-running singles act through major changes in line-up.

History

The Hollies form in the early 1960s and become established by the middle of the decade as one of Britain’s leading singles bands. During the 1960s they release a steady run of hit singles, including Bus Stop, I’m Alive, I Can’t Let Go, Stop Stop Stop, Carrie Anne, On a Carousel, Look Through Any Window and Jennifer Eccles. Several of these songs are written by outside songwriters, alongside some group-penned material and many cover versions, which is typical of their mid-1960s output.

Between 1964 and 1969, only two of their singles fail to reach the UK Top 10. The band also achieves chart success beyond the UK as part of the British Invasion. Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress reaches number 2 in the United States in 1972, and He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother later returns to the top of the UK chart in 1988, years after its first release.

Line-up and membership

Key early members include Allan Clarke on vocals, Graham Nash on guitar and vocals, Eric Haydock on bass, Don Rathbone on drums and Tony Hicks on guitar. Nash leaves in 1968 and later forms Crosby, Stills & Nash. Clarke leaves in 1971 and returns at later points. Other members over the years include Bernie Calvert, Terry Sylvester, Mikael Rickfors, Ian Parker, Carl Wayne, Ray Stiles and Alan Coates. Tony Hicks and Bobby Elliott remain central figures and perform with the group for decades. Bobby Elliott joins on drums in 1963 and Tony Hicks also stays with the band from 1963 onwards. Carl Wayne, formerly of The Move, serves as lead singer until his death in 2004.

Recognition

The Hollies are known for their longevity and for maintaining a working presence across many decades. They are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. Their long career and sustained chart record make them one of the best-known British pop and rock groups to emerge from the 1960s.