5 The Hollies Facts Every Graham Nash Fan Should Know

The Hollies, a quintessential British rock band, were instrumental in shaping the sound of the 1960s and 1970s. Their Everly Brothers-inspired harmonies were among the finest of the ’60s, and they quickly became one of the first British rock bands to hit it big in their native country. Surprisingly, they were also the last of the British Invasion bands to make it in America. Allan Clarke and Graham Nash, the band’s leads, proved to be among the decade’s finest pop songwriters. Additionally, the original Bobby Elliott and Eric Haydock rhythm section was considered the finest in Britain.

With their unique blend of pop, rock, and harmony-driven melodies, they became one of the most successful bands of their era, churning out hit after hit that captured the hearts of fans around the world. As fans of the Hollies and Graham Nash, it’s always exciting to delve into the lesser-known facts and stories about the band’s origins, their journey through the decades, and the impact they had on the rock scene. So, without further ado, here are five fascinating facts every Graham Nash fan should know about the Hollies.

1. It Was Founded By Allan Clarke And Graham Nash

The dynamic duo of Allan Clarke and Graham Nash, who were best friends from primary school, laid the foundation for the Hollies. They started performing together during the late 1950s skiffle craze and eventually became a vocal and guitar duo modeled after the Everly Brothers. As they teamed up with other musicians and went through different iterations of the group, they finally formed the Hollies in 1962, joined by Vic Steele, Eric Haydock, and Don Rathbone.

2. There Are Two Theories About The Origin Of Their Name

The Hollies’ name has two possible origins. One theory suggests that Eric Haydock named the group after a Christmas holly garland. On the other hand, Graham Nash claimed in a 2009 interview that the band chose the name due to their admiration for Buddy Holly. Regardless of which theory you believe, the name the Hollies have certainly become iconic in rock history.

3. The Hollies Were Inducted To The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

A testament to their incredible achievements and lasting impact, the Hollies were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. The inducted members included Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, Tony Hicks, Eric Haydock, Bobby Elliott, Bernie Calvert, and Terry Sylvester.

Yet, the band’s founding members still in the band, Elliot and Hicks, were unable to attend the induction ceremony due to touring commitments in the UK, demonstrating their dedication to their British fans. Founding members Clarke and Nash represented the band at the New York event. To celebrate their success, a compilation album, ‘Midas Touch: The Very Best of The Hollies,’ was released, reaching No. 23 on the UK charts.

4. The Hollies Have Never Disbanded

The Hollies hold the rare distinction of being one of the few UK groups from the early 1960s, along with the Rolling Stones, that have never disbanded. Despite lineup changes and evolving musical tastes, they have continued to record and perform throughout the decades, maintaining their integrity and commitment to their fans.

5. John Fogerty Accused The Hollies Of Plagiarism

In 1972, the Hollies released the hit song ‘Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress,’ which bore striking similarities to the swamp rock style of Creedence Clearwater Revival. Allan Clarke’s vocal style even mimicked CCR’s lead singer, John Fogerty. As a result, Fogerty accused the Hollies of plagiarism and sued the band. The case was eventually settled out of court for an undisclosed sum.

These five facts offer a glimpse into the fascinating history and legacy of the Hollies, showcasing their journey through the world of rock and roll. As a fan of Graham Nash, knowing these stories adds depth and appreciation to the music we love, reminding us of the passion, talent, and dedication that have shaped this iconic band throughout the years.