Eldridge Holmes

Biography

Eldridge Holmes (1942 – November 13, 1998) was a soul and R&B singer from Violet, Louisiana, near New Orleans. He began his recording career in the early 1960s when he was discovered and first recorded by the legendary New Orleans producer 01_Projects/PersonalArtistWiki/Artists/Allen_Toussaint. Holmes's debut, 'Poor Me,' reflected the traditional New Orleans R&B style, but as his career progressed, he embraced a more contemporary soul and funk sound, often working closely with Toussaint throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s.[1][3][4]

Despite his talent and the high quality of his recordings, Holmes never achieved significant commercial success, with none of his singles breaking into the national R&B charts. He recorded for a variety of labels, including Alon, Jet Set, Deesu, Sansu, and Atco, and was sometimes backed by the renowned funk band 01_Projects/PersonalArtistWiki/Artists/The_Meters. Notable tracks include 'The Book,' 'Pop Popcorn Children,' and 'Gone, Gone, Gone.' Holmes was also a songwriter, penning several of his own releases. By the mid-1970s, he had largely retired from music, later working in various jobs outside the industry. He passed away in 1998, leaving behind a small but highly regarded body of work that has found renewed appreciation among collectors and Northern Soul enthusiasts.[1][2][4]

Holmes's musical style was marked by a blend of deep Southern soul, New Orleans R&B, and funk, characterized by his emotive vocals and rhythmic sensibility. His collaborations with 01_Projects/PersonalArtistWiki/Artists/Allen_Toussaint and 01_Projects/PersonalArtistWiki/Artists/The_Meters brought a distinctive Crescent City groove to his recordings. Though overlooked in his lifetime, Holmes’s music has since been recognized for its quality and influence, particularly within the Northern Soul scene, and his legacy endures through reissues and compilations.[2][4]

Fun Facts

• Holmes’s single 'Pop Popcorn Children,' backed by The Meters, is considered a cult classic and is highly sought after by collectors.[2][4]
• He worked various jobs outside music, including as a bus driver, nursing assistant, asbestos worker, and mechanic after his recording career ended.[1][3]
• Despite his talent, Holmes never charted nationally, and many of his records were only local hits or remained obscure until rediscovered by soul enthusiasts.[1][2]
• A compilation of his work, 'Eldridge Holmes Deep Southern Soul,' was released in 2006 but was quickly withdrawn due to rights issues.[2]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Allen Toussaint - Primary producer and mentor; discovered Holmes and guided his recording career, shaping his sound and songwriting. (Produced nearly all Holmes's singles, including 'Poor Me,' 'The Book,' and 'Pop Popcorn Children.') [Early 1960s–mid 1970s]

Key Collaborators

• The Meters - Funk band that backed Holmes on several recordings, adding their signature grooves to his tracks. ('Pop Popcorn Children' (Atco, 1969), other late 1960s Deesu and Atco singles.) [Late 1960s]
• Marshall Sehorn - Business partner of Allen Toussaint and co-founder of Sansu Enterprises, involved in production and label management for Holmes’s releases. (Oversaw releases on Deesu and Sansu labels.) [Mid 1960s–early 1970s]

Artists Influenced

• Northern Soul artists and DJs - Holmes’s rare soul singles became prized in the Northern Soul scene in the UK, influencing DJs and collectors. ('Where Is Love,' 'The Book,' and other singles played at Northern Soul events.) [1970s–present]

Source: Wikipedia

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. The Book - Remastered (Artist • Producer • Songwriter (Deluxe Edition))
2. Gone, Gone, Gone - Remastered (Artist • Producer • Songwriter (Deluxe Edition))
3. Where is Love (Now That I've Lost You / Where is Love)
4. If I Were a Carpenter (Love Problem)
5. Hump Back (No Substitute)
6. Where Is The Love (Essential Louisiana R&B)
7. Wait for Me Baby (Beverly)
8. Wait for Me Baby (New Orleans Soul ('65-'67))
9. The Book (Love Problem)
10. Now That I've Lost You (Now That I've Lost You / Where is Love)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia