The Hollies are an English pop group formed in Manchester in the early 1960s. Most of the band members are from throughout East Lancashire. Known for their distinctive vocal harmony style, they became one of the leading British groups of the 1960s and early-1970s. They enjoyed considerable popularity in many countries, although they did not achieve major US chart success until 1966. Along with the Rolling Stones, they are one of the few British pop groups of the early 1960s that have never officially broken up and that continue to record and perform. The Hollies were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
The groups original lineup consisted of Bernie Calvert Allan Clarke , Tony Hicks , Bobby Elliott , and Terry Sylvester . Graham Nash is considered one of the original members before his departure from the group in 1968. He later rejoined the group in the 1980s before departing once again. Carl Wayne later replaced Clarke.
The bands 1967 #1 hit, "Carrie Anne" was written about singer, Marianne Faithfull , as revealed by Graham Nash in an interview in 1995. He mentioned that he was "too shy" to name the song "Marianne" so they changed it to "Carrie Anne" instead.
The bands name is not, as is often thought, a tribute to Buddy Holly , but was named after some Christmas holly plants that were decorating band member Graham Nash s house.
The bands 1969 smash hit, "He Aint Heavy, Hes My Brother" (by Bobby Scott & Bob Russell ), featured then little-known session musician Elton John on piano. Elton was paid 12 for his services.
