Role

:

Composer

Country

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United States of America

Birth

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June 6, 1949 in Ukiah, CA

 

Holly Near is a renowned American singer-songwriter, actress, and social activist who has made significant contributions to the world of music. Born on June 6, 1949, in Ukiah, California, Holly Near grew up in a musical family. Her mother was a pianist, and her father was a jazz musician. She started singing at a young age and was encouraged by her parents to pursue music as a career. Holly Near's musical journey began in the 1960s when she started performing in coffeehouses and folk clubs in California. She was heavily influenced by the folk music of the time and was inspired by artists like Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Bob Dylan. In 1969, she joined the cast of the Broadway musical "Hair," which was a huge success. This experience gave her the opportunity to perform in front of large audiences and helped her gain recognition as a singer. In the early 1970s, Holly Near started recording her own music and released her debut album, "Hang in There," in 1973. The album was a mix of folk, rock, and pop music and showcased her powerful voice and songwriting skills. Her second album, "A Live Album," was recorded during a concert in Japan and featured some of her most popular songs, including "It Could Have Been Me" and "Singing for Our Lives." Holly Near's music was heavily influenced by her activism and her commitment to social justice. She was a vocal supporter of the feminist and LGBTQ movements and used her music to raise awareness about these issues. Her song "Singing for Our Lives" became an anthem for the LGBTQ community and was sung at many rallies and protests. In addition to her music, Holly Near also acted in several films and television shows. She appeared in the film "Slaughterhouse-Five" and had a recurring role on the television series "All in the Family." She also starred in the Broadway musical "The Secret Garden" in 1991. Throughout her career, Holly Near has released over 20 albums and has collaborated with many other artists, including Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, and Bonnie Raitt. Her music has been praised for its powerful lyrics and beautiful melodies, and she has won numerous awards for her contributions to the world of music. Some of Holly Near's most notable works include her album "Imagine My Surprise," which was released in 1983 and featured songs about love, loss, and social justice. The album included the song "Singing with You," which was a duet with Pete Seeger and became a popular sing-along at concerts and rallies. Another notable work by Holly Near is her album "Edge," which was released in 1989. The album was a departure from her earlier folk-inspired music and featured a more rock-oriented sound. The album included the song "Fired Up," which became a popular anthem for the feminist movement. Holly Near's music has had a significant impact on the world of music and on social justice movements. Her powerful voice and commitment to activism have inspired many people and have helped to raise awareness about important issues. She continues to perform and record music to this day and remains an important figure in the world of music and social justice.

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