Singer. Born Norman Alexander Milne in Liverpool, Merseyside, England, the son of a New Zealander seaman. After leaving school, he joined the Merchant Navy, and it was while on shore leave in New York City that he entered a talent contest at Radio City Music Hall and won. In 1950 he resigned from the Merchant Navy and began singing in Liverpool's various dance halls. He won another talent contest at the Locarno in Liverpool before landing his first notable professional work as a member of the Eric Winstone Orchestra. In 1955, he was signed as a solo artist at EMI's Columbia label. 'Nothin' to Do' became his first Top 30 record in 1956, and he made the Top 20 with the double-sided hit 'The Gal with Yeller Shoes' and 'Hot Diggity' later that same year. He starred in the Dorchester Hotel's cabaret in 1957 and at the end of the year recorded the Burt Bacharach/Hal David piece 'The Story of My Life,' which became Holliday's first number one record. He released his first LP 'Hi' in 1958 and scored a second number one record with 'Starry Eyed' in 1960. He was offered his own series of six for BBC television, called 'Relax with Michael Holliday.' The series ran for an additional four shows past the contracted six. His last entries on to the charts were 'Little Boy Lost' and 'Skylark.' He appeared in the feature film 'Life is a Circus' in 1960, but his popularity was beginning to wane. Three years later, he died suddenly from an apparent drug overdose. EMI's Columbia Records released a tribute album in his memory which included a eulogy by Bing Crosby. A posthumous single by Holliday, 'My Last Date,' which was completed a week before his death, was also released in 1964. EMI has since released three CD compilations of Holliday's best recordings.
Singer. Born Norman Alexander Milne in Liverpool, Merseyside, England, the son of a New Zealander seaman. After leaving school, he joined the Merchant Navy, and it was while on shore leave in New York City that he entered a talent contest at Radio City Music Hall and won. In 1950 he resigned from the Merchant Navy and began singing in Liverpool's various dance halls. He won another talent contest at the Locarno in Liverpool before landing his first notable professional work as a member of the Eric Winstone Orchestra. In 1955, he was signed as a solo artist at EMI's Columbia label. 'Nothin' to Do' became his first Top 30 record in 1956, and he made the Top 20 with the double-sided hit 'The Gal with Yeller Shoes' and 'Hot Diggity' later that same year. He starred in the Dorchester Hotel's cabaret in 1957 and at the end of the year recorded the Burt Bacharach/Hal David piece 'The Story of My Life,' which became Holliday's first number one record. He released his first LP 'Hi' in 1958 and scored a second number one record with 'Starry Eyed' in 1960. He was offered his own series of six for BBC television, called 'Relax with Michael Holliday.' The series ran for an additional four shows past the contracted six. His last entries on to the charts were 'Little Boy Lost' and 'Skylark.' He appeared in the feature film 'Life is a Circus' in 1960, but his popularity was beginning to wane. Three years later, he died suddenly from an apparent drug overdose. EMI's Columbia Records released a tribute album in his memory which included a eulogy by Bing Crosby. A posthumous single by Holliday, 'My Last Date,' which was completed a week before his death, was also released in 1964. EMI has since released three CD compilations of Holliday's best recordings.
Bio by: Iola
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