Local concert promoter Jonathan Holden, who brought blues, roots, Americana and other acts to Tucson for decades, has passed away at the age of 60.
Our own Linda Ray wrote about Holden for No Depression:
The Tucson roots music community is shaken this evening by the sudden and unexpected death of long-time Tucson music promoter Jonathan Holden from a pulmonary aneurism. He was 60.
Holden’s Rhythm & Roots Concert Series has for 13 years provided artists and fans of the blues, folk, singer-songwriter, and world music genres with their only reliable home in Tucson. Shows currently scheduled are expected to continue, both in the outdoor space at Plaza Palomino, and in the indoor space he opened last year in Suite 147 of the plaza, in order to be able to continue the series year ’round. Recently, Holden had extended the series to include the much larger, downtown venue, the historic Fox Theatre, where he had booked Taj Mahal for May 24.
Upcoming shows such as Fred Eaglesmith, Sons of the Pioneers and Johnny Rawls reveal the range of his own taste, and that of the fans he served, uniquely, in Tucson.
I knew Holden from my time working in record stores like Hear’s and Zia and although I didn’t really know him outside of the stores and seeing him at shows, he was always exceptionally kind and worked tirelessly to bring musicians he believed in to town. The Rhythm & Roots website mentions that shows will go on, which seems like the best tribute to what he did for this town musically. For more information about a planned public memorial, keep an eye on a page set up on the R&R site.
This article appears in Jan 12-18, 2012.
Wow – this is a shocker – Rest In Peace John – Thanks for the shows you brought to Tucson!
Matt
Oh man, bummer. Condolences to friends and family.
A great guy and a huge loss for the Tucson music community! My sincerest condolences to Susan, Gabe, Devon and the rest of Jonathan’s family. Thanks, Jonathan, for supporting and promoting us. It was an honor to know and work with you. -Steve Sayre, drummer for the Coolers, Tucson
what a shock. Jonathan was a great producer, friend to me and many, and true music supporter. He was always a gentle man. I am deeply saddened by this loss, as is the music world and greater Tucson area. Kathleen Williamson
Jonathan and I were kindred spirits, both passionate about connecting musicians with appreciative audiences. Our paths rarely crossed, but when they did, Jonathan was always kind. I have tremendous respect for him and all that he accomplished with his long-running Rhythm & Roots series, and I’m deeply saddened by his passing. Rest in peace, Jonathan.
-Bonnie Vining, LAVA Music
Damn. I first met Jonathan in 1972..when we each appeared on Tucson airwaves, much to the chagrin of both our station’s managers. ALWAYS a cool dude, and while we only caught up on rare occasions, it brought smiles and laughs to both of us.
Rest in Peace, Jon.
John Holden..the “other one”
Jonathan was a generous man who passionately loved music. His expansive knowledge of it’s historical roots helped bring an astounding range of musicians to our humble town and taught us so much. Indigo and I worked as volunteers with Rhythm and Roots for the past couple of years and were treated to many wonderfully expressive musical performances.
He shared our deep appreciation of the amazing talent on display and we often basked in the joy and exhilaration of these unique and unforgettable experiences. We’ll never forget the huge knowing smile on his face as he watched an amazing lead guitar riff or heard the sheer poetry of a lyric. He heard every subtle thing that was played and could remember it all afterwards and discuss it in depth with me, savoring the memories as much as I did.
He was gracious and kind to his volunteers. He never hesitated to make us feel welcome in the company of even the most famous musicians, whether it be inviting us to sell their CDs, take tickets, work the green room or operate the stage lighting to ensure they had everything they needed to do their best. After the Pat Metheny Orchestrion show at the Fox theater and learning he’d sold just enough tickets to cover his costs, he smiled and said he’d done it for the love of the music and that was enough for him.
I think Jonathan would agree with Frank Zappa, who said:
Information is not knowledge
Knowledge is not Wisdom
Wisdom is not truth
Truth is not beauty
Beauty is not love
Love is not music
Music is the best
We will never forget you.
Geo and Indigo
Tucson, AZ
Jonathon, you will be sorely missed. However, and more importantly, your presence will forever linger. From Doc Watson to Greg Brown your efforts will resonate across Arizona like a string forever gently plucked. Godspeed friend and my your family find solace in your lasting legacy.
richard from flagstaff
Wow! I met Jonathon only once last December at the R&R “swap meet” in the Plaza. We had a great conversation about local music and venues, then I bought quite a few cds from him (the used Ruthie Foster I bought had added significance since he told me it is among one of his favourite blues cds). Walking away I was thinking he is one of those few Tucsonans who I can look to as a “Tucson Treasure”.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and his many, many friends.
Jonathan brought so many extraordinary musicians to Tucson and, as a long-time volunteer, introduced me to an abundance of wonderful music I might not have heard otherwise. I will be forever grateful for that – and more so, for the gift of his warm, unwavering friendship.
‘Music alone with sudden charms can bind
The wand’ring sense, and calm the troubled mind.”
William Congreve
For Jonathan, wherever you are, and for all of us still here, may the music never stop.
I interned for Jonathan Holden in the late 90’s. He introduced me to amazing music and showed me that PR, sales and marketing is always easier and feels right when you have a sincere Passion behind what you’re doing. I took those beliefs with me to my PR career and always will remember that it was with him
that I learned it. Marcia Fraioli Nugent
I knew Jonathan “back in the day” when we lived with friends in some yurts, west of town – back in the ’80s, I think. We instantly connected through our love of the Grateful Dead. We managed to keep in touch for a while – every August 9th I tried calling him on the anniversary of Jerry Garcia’s passing. The last few times I wasn’t able to connect with him. I Google’d him by name, hoping to find a way to connect with him. I was saddened to learn of his passing. He was a beautiful guy … a beautiful spirit. He will be missed. Toward the One, Jonathan! Peace Out. Richard-Attar
BTW, if anyone knows how to reach his widow, please ask them to Message me on my Face Book page, please. https://www.facebook.com/richard.bowen.7731