HOLMES BROTHERS TO APPEAR ON LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O’BRIEN
Ever since 1979, The Holmes Brothers have been bringing their brand of gospel-inflected, spiritually moving and funky music to audiences around the world. Their breathtaking harmonies resonate with a passion and conviction matched only by their inspired musicianship and their ability to perform sanctified gospel, low-down roadhouse blues, deep soul, barroom country and pure pop--all in one set.
Originally from Christchurch, Virginia, brothers Sherman and Wendell Holmes grew up listening to traditional Baptist hymns and spirituals as well as country and blues music. After moving to New York, the two formed The Sevilles in 1963, often backing up touring artists like The Impressions and John Lee Hooker. In 1979 Sherman, Wendell and a fellow Virginian, drummer Popsy Dixon, formed The Holmes Brothers band. The sound of The Holmes Brothers is unique; the rhythmic foundation laid down by Sherman's bass playing and Popsy's drumming perfectly compliment Wendell's hard-driving guitar solos. But even more gripping than their instrumental prowess is their amazing three-part harmony singing, mixing Wendell's gruff and gravelly vocals with Popsy's soaring falsetto and Sherman's rich baritone.
The Holmes Brothers have recorded with many artists, including Van Morrison, Peter Gabriel, and Joan Osborne, and have gigged all over the world. They joined the Alligator Records family in 2001, and their label debut SPEAKING IN TONGUES amazed and delighted everybody who heard it. The Chicago Tribune called it a "a gift to the world of music."