Symphony Perspectives
Written for Charlotte Symphony Magazine TEMPO
AL HOLLAND
“Symphony is in my heart.”
That may not be something you would expect to hear from popular musician Al Holland. Most of us probably think of “Big Al” as the keyboard player/baritone who performed with the legendary Platters or currently as the hottest pop music act in South Florida. But, as the son of a music teacher, little Al Holland learned to play a variety of instruments. By the 8th grade, he concentrated on the cello and it didn’t take long for him to find his way into an orchestra.
As a teen, he played with the Detroit Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, later with the Detroit Symphony and Chicago Symphony Civic Orchestra. When family business brought him to Oklahoma in the 1980s, Al changed it up by playing popular music in night clubs. Once back in Detroit, he joined the band “Attraction” and hit the show band circuit, playing keyboard with Wilson Williams and Verceal Whitaker.
In 1993, “Attraction” was invited to Las Vegas to perform with The Platters who happened to be looking for new members. Both Williams and Holland joined the famous group. Several years later, Al turned his attention to more intimate settings and has become one of the most popular solo acts in Florida.
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Hint being taken, on February 14, 2016, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Valentine’s Pops Concert promises to be a very special event. After the orchestra entertains with a musical combination of Classical, Broadway and the American Songbook, Al Holland will take the stage and sweep everyone down memory lane with the popular tunes that will have the audience dancing and singing along!
Al can be seen performing in clubs and restaurants around Ft. Myers and Punta Gorda, as well as special concerts. He comments, “I always wanted to have ‘a job’ with endurance. People like the songs I sing, and I like them too! I’ve been lucky. I’ve been around the world doing what I love. How many people can say that?”
Coming February 2,7 2016 Al will present his annual Night of Autism Awareness at the Charlottle Cultural Center. All the great music we love to hear will be offered up by Al Holland and Friends for the benefit of the Charlotte County Public Schools’ programs for children with Autism.
Find Al Holland on Facebook.