The Holmes Brothers

Where sublime gospel meets juke-joint blues, The Holmes Brothers had a rare talent for drawing fresh joy, love and pain out of even the oldest material.

The Holmes Brothers, an American musical trio originally hailing from Christchurch, Virginia, blended elements of blues, soul, gospel, country, and rhythm & blues into their distinctive, potent sound.

Over the years they recorded with Van Morrison, Peter Gabriel, Odetta, Phoebe Snow, Willie Nelson, Freddie Roulette, Rosanne Cash, Levon Helm and Joan Osborne, to name a few. They toured the world, playing major festivals and concert halls, and won numerous awards.

The Holmes Brothers’ timeless music is tight, the vocals rich and warm, and the overall effect is disciplined yet deeply soulful and utterly infectious.

Drummer Willie “Popsy” Dixon died in January 2015 of cancer. In April of the same year, Wendell Holmes, the band’s vocalist, guitarist, pianist and songwriter, announced his retirement from performing due to health concerns, and passed away in the June.

Oldest brother Sherman Holmes continues to write, record and perform with The Sherman Holmes Project.

Further reading

Clara Serra López debut release on Real World X

Clara Serra López announces Lengua Materna (Part I), the first chapter of her debut project, and re...

‘I’m always happy on stage!’ Mari Kalkun releases live album featuring Estonian National Male Choir

The new version of the album marks an important milestone.

Real World Sessions: Owen Spafford & Louis Campbell, 5 December 2023

New folk duo Owen Spafford & Louis Campbell visited the studio to record a new EP for Real World X.

Exploring Colombian artist Savan’s music inspired by Yagé medicine ceremonies

The new Real World X release is an eight-track aural journey to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.