Kelvin Holly

KELVIN HOLLY

Guitarist Kelvin Holly’s musical career began in 1972 following his graduation from a Montgomery, Alabama, high school. In 1991, he moved to Muscle Shoals to work as a studio musician, starting with sessions for Bobby Bland's Malaco Records release "Years of Tears." His guitar playing has since graced studio albums by The Amazing Rhythm Aces, Bonnie Bramlett, Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell and Beatles associate Klaus Voormann. He has also performed live with such legendary artists as Little Richard and Gregg Allman.

Locally, Holly is known as a longtime member of The Decoys, alongside fellow Shoals session players like bassist David Hood of "Swampers" fame and guitarist Will McFarlane. In 2013, Holly collaborated with local magician Steve Trash on "Trash Tunes," an album of environmentally-themed songs for children. He also worked with Shoals native Donnie Fritts on his 2018 Arthur Alexander tribute album, and backed the late country-soul pioneer as part of The Decoys on a tour of Japan. He continues to perform locally as a member of Fathers and Sons and with his own group, Kelvin Holly and The Heavy Hitters.