Malcolm Holcombe Explained

Malcolm Holcombe
Landscape:yes
Birth Name:Malcolm Brank Holcombe
Birth Date:2 September 1955
Birth Place:Weaverville, North Carolina, U.S.
Death Place:Asheville, North Carolina, U.S.
Genre:Folk music, Americana music, Alternative country
Occupation:Musician, songwriter
Instrument:Guitar
Years Active:1984–2024
Label:Hip-O, Music Road, Munich, Gypsy Eyes, Southbound, Proper

Malcolm Holcombe (September 2, 1955 – March 9, 2024) was an American singer-songwriter.

Early history

Holcombe was born and raised in Weaverville, North Carolina, about ten miles north of Asheville.[1] In his teen years, he played in local bands The Hilltoppers and Redwing, and since the early 1990's performed solo as a singer-songwriter.[2]

After high school, Holcombe attended college and tech school, then quit to play music around the Southeast. He partnered with Ray Sisk and Dallas Taylor in a trio, and released the album Trademark with Sam Milner in 1985.[3]

A Hundred Lies

Holcombe moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1990, working as a dishwasher at Douglas Corner Cafe and playing open mic shows. In 1996, Holcombe signed with Geffen Records.[4] Promotional copies of his debut album A Hundred Lies drew praise from critics, and it was officially released in 1999 by Hip-O Records.

Subsequent recordings

Holcombe returned to North Carolina, married, and released several albums independently. His 2008 album Gamblin' House was produced by Ray Kennedy and released on North Carolina-based label Echo Mountain.[5]

2010's To Drink the Rain was produced by Jared Tyler, who also played resonator guitar. Dave Roe (bass), Luke Bulla (fiddle), Bobby Kallus (drums), and Shelby Eicher (mandolin) provided accompaniment.[6]

For The RCA Sessions in 2014, Holcombe re-recorded at least one song from each of his previous albums and EP, and one new song "Mouth Harp Man." Guests included Tyler, David Roe Rorick (bass), Tammy Rogers (fiddle, mandolin), Ken Coomer (drums), Jellyroll Johnson (harmonica), and Siobhan Maher Kennedy (vocals). Maura O'Connell duets with Holcombe on "A Far Cry From Here."[7]

Pretty Little Troubles in 2017 was produced by Darrell Scott and accompanied by Tyler, Dennis Crouch (bass), Verlon Thompson (guitar), and Marco Giovino (percussion).[8]

Death

On March 9, 2024, Holcombe died of respiratory failure due to cancer. He was 68.[9]

Discography

Solo albums

With Sam Milner

As composer

Also appears on

Notes and References

  1. News: Levenson. Luke. Malcolm Holcombe Keeps Telling Appalachian Tales on Pretty Little Troubles. July 31, 2017. Nashville Scene. April 6, 2017.
  2. News: Bledsoe. Wayne. Malcolm Holcombe: the songwriter's songwriter. July 31, 2017. Knoxville News Sentinel. April 13, 2017.
  3. News: Cuccaro. Richard. Malcolm Holcombe: Delivering the Storm. July 31, 2017. Acoustic Times. September 1, 2016.
  4. News: Flynn. Michael. Up from one very hard life, Malcolm Holcombe riding high. July 31, 2017. Black Mountain News. November 18, 2015.
  5. News: Cooper. Peter. Malcolm Holcombe - An appalachian ghost story. July 31, 2017. No Depression. December 31, 2007.
  6. News: Gallacher. Alex. Malcolm Holcombe - To Drink the Rain. August 1, 2017. Folk Radio UK. January 14, 2011.
  7. Web site: Malcolm Holcombe – The RCA Sessions. Americana Music Show. August 1, 2017. Calvin Powers. March 31, 2015.
  8. News: Hynes. Jim. Malcolm Holcombe: Pretty Little Troubles. August 1, 2017. Elmore Magazine. April 7, 2017.
  9. Web site: Iconic and Elemental Songwriter Malcolm Holcombe Has Died - Saving Country Music. March 10, 2024. www.savingcountrymusic.com.
  10. Web site: Malcolm Holcombe – Another Wisdom. Uncut. July 31, 2017. May 1, 2004.
  11. News: Cornell. Rick. Malcolm Holcombe - I Never Heard You Knockin'. July 31, 2017. No Depression. April 30, 2005.
  12. Web site: Not Forgotten: Malcolm Holcombe. Acoustic Music. July 31, 2017. Bob Gottlieb.
  13. Web site: Malcolm Holcombe On Mountain Stage. NPR Music. July 31, 2017. January 21, 2010.
  14. Web site: Malcolm Holcombe- For the Mission Baby. Twangville. July 31, 2017. Eli Petersen. August 27, 2009.
  15. News: Gilstrap. Andrew. Malcolm Holcombe: To Drink the Rain. August 1, 2017. PopMatters. May 9, 2011.
  16. Web site: Malcombe Holcombe. Music City Roots. July 31, 2017. Al Maginnes.
  17. News: staff writer. Trail Mix: New Albums from Larry Keel and Malcolm Holcombe. August 1, 2017. Blue Ridge Outdoors. February 1, 2016.
  18. News: Kopp. Bill. Album review: 'Pretty Little Troubles' by Malcolm Holcombe. July 31, 2017. Mountain Xpress. March 31, 2017.

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