Jools Holland Biography: Julian Miles Holland OBE DL, born on January 24, 1958, is a British pianist, bandleader, singer, composer, and television presenter. A founding member of the band Squeeze, Holland has collaborated with a wide range of renowned artists, including Marc Almond, Jayne County, Tom Jones, José Feliciano, Sting, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, George Harrison, David Gilmour, Ringo Starr, Dr. John, Bono, Rod Stewart, The The, Ruby Turner, and Amy Winehouse. Between 1982 and 1987, he co-hosted the Channel 4 music program The Tube. Since 1992, he has been the host of Later… with Jools Holland, a BBC2 music show that also inspired the annual Hootenanny New Year’s Eve special. In addition to hosting his own programs, Holland is a published author and makes appearances on various television shows. He has also regularly presented his own show on BBC Radio 2.
Jools Holland Biography
Jools Holland, born on January 24, 1958, in London, England, is an actor and producer best known for his work in films such as Spice World (1997), Valentine’s Day (2010), and Bachelor Party (1984). He has been married to Christabel McEwen since August 29, 2005, and the couple has one child. Holland shared some of his favorite songs during his appearance on BBC Radio 2’s Tracks of My Years. His personal picks include “What Christmas Means To Me” by Stevie Wonder, “Get Away Jordan” by Dorothy Love Coates, “Silent Night” by Mahalia Jackson, “I Can Make It Thru The Days” by Ray Charles, “I’m Ready” by Fats Domino, “Message To My Son” by Solomon Burke and Eric Clapton, “May You Never” by John Martyn, “Walk Back In” by Keb’ Mo’, “If You Love Me” by Van Morrison and B.B. King, and “Feel Like Going Home” by Charlie Rich.
Jools Holland Biography 2025 Details
Born |
Julian Miles Holland
24 January 1958 Blackheath, London, England
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Occupations |
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Years active | 1974–present |
Spouse |
Christabel McEwen
(m. 2005) |
Children | 3 |
Category | Singers Bio |
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About Jools Holland
Julian Miles Holland OBE DL is an English pianist, bandleader, singer, composer and television presenter.
Jools Holland Wiki
- Born: 24 January 1958 (age 67 years), Blackheath, London, United Kingdom
- Spouse: Christabel McEwen (m. 2005)
- Music groups: Squeeze (1985 – 1990), Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra
- Children: George Solomon Holland, Rosie Aretha M. Holland
Early Life and Education
Holland was born in Blackheath, southeast London. By the age of eight, he had taught himself to play the piano by ear and was performing regularly in local pubs across southeast London and the East End by his early teens. He attended Shooters Hill Grammar School, but was expelled for causing damage to a teacher’s Triumph Herald car.
Jools Holland at a Glance
- Category: Richest Celebrities › Actors
- Net Worth: $5 million
- Birth date: January 24, 1958 (67 years old)
- Birthplace: Blackheath, London
- Gender: Male
- Profession: Bandleader, presenter, organist, keyboardist, jazz pianist, composer, musician, television producer, actor, screenwriter
- Nationality: United Kingdom
Career
Holland joined Squeeze in 1974 and played on their first three albums—Squeeze (1978), Cool for Cats (1979), and Argybargy (1980)—before departing in 1980 to pursue solo work. He returned to the band in 1985 and contributed to additional studio and live albums.
Beyond Squeeze, Jools built a successful solo and collaborative music career. Albums like Sex & Jazz & Rock & Roll (1996), Small World Big Band (2001), and As You See Me Now (2017, with José Feliciano) achieved chart success. He’s worked with artists such as Tom Jones, Marc Almond, and Rod Stewart—his 2024 album with Stewart, Swing Fever, became his first UK number-one. Holland has hosted Later… with Jools Holland, one of Britain’s most respected live music shows, which was ranked #81 on the BFI’s list of the 100 best British TV shows of the 20th century.
Personal Life
Jools Holland married Christabel McEwen on August 30, 2005, after 15 years together. The couple shares a daughter named Mabel, and Holland is stepfather to Frederick, Christabel’s son from a previous marriage. He also has two children, Rose and George, from his relationship with Mary Leahy. An avid model railway enthusiast, Holland built a 100-foot layout that reflects different time periods, from 1950s London to modern day. He appeared on the cover of Railway Modeller magazine in 2019. Jools is actively involved in charity work, supporting causes like HIV/AIDS through Mildmay and promoting accessibility in music through Drake Music. In 2018, he became president of the British Watch & Clock Makers Guild.
Awards and Recognition
- Sony Radio Academy Gold and Silver Awards (2010)
- TV and Radio Industries Club Award for Later… With Jools Holland (2003)
- BAFTA Nomination for Later… in 2023
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) – 2003
- Honorary titles: Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Fellow of Canterbury Christ Church University, Honorary Colonel of 101 Engineer Regiment
Real Estate
KentLive reported that Holland resides in a historic 14th-century castle originally built to defend against French raids. Although much of the structure is in ruins and not open to the public, a manor house and outbuildings were developed on the grounds and now serve as his private residence.
What Is Jools Holland’s Net Worth 2025?
Jools Holland OBE DL is an English pianist, composer, bandleader, singer, TV presenter, producer, and author with an estimated net worth of $5 million. He gained widespread recognition through his work with the bands Squeeze and Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. Over the course of his career, Holland has collaborated with music legends such as Sting, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, George Harrison, David Gilmour, Bono, and others. He’s also the long-running host of the BBC2 show Later… with Jools Holland (since 1992), where he serves as associate producer. He has also produced TV specials like Raise the Roof! Concert for Prostate Cancer UK (2022) and the Jools Holland Annual Hootenanny (2023).
FAQs
What movies has Jools Holland appeared in?
Jools Holland has appeared in several films, including Spice World (1997), Valentine’s Day (2010), and Bachelor Party (1984), showcasing his talents beyond music as both an actor and producer.
Who is Jools Holland married to?
Jools Holland has been married to Christabel McEwen since August 29, 2005. The couple has one child together.
How many children does Jools Holland have?
Jools Holland has one child with his wife, Christabel McEwen.
What kind of music does Jools Holland enjoy?
Jools Holland has eclectic musical tastes, favoring soulful and blues-influenced tracks. Some of his favorites include songs by Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Fats Domino, and Mahalia Jackson.
Has Jools Holland shared his favorite songs publicly?
Yes, Jools Holland shared a selection of his favorite tracks on BBC Radio 2’s Tracks of My Years, featuring artists like Van Morrison, Charlie Rich, and Eric Clapton.
What genres influence Jools Holland’s music choices?
Jools Holland’s musical preferences are deeply rooted in R&B, soul, blues, and gospel—reflected in his favorite songs by artists such as Dorothy Love Coates, Keb’ Mo’, and Solomon Burke.