Another country icon has fallen. W.S. “Fluke” Holland is the first-ever person to play a full drum set in the great stage of the Grand Ole Opry, and the ultimate backer there is for all big country names.
He’s not likely known to have prowess in singing, but for some big faces in the industry, he’s not to get treated lightly as he was hailed ‘the father of drums,’ the one person who Johnny Cash greatly adores and chose to work with for several years.
But like all human lives out there, there comes an end for everything. On Wednesday, September 23, he recently passed away at the age of 85. He left behind her daughters Kim and Krista and her wife whom he’s been married to for more than 60 years. W.S. “Fluke” Holland burial will be on September 26 in the presence of his family and loved ones.
Drum Beating, Hearts Beating
In his passing, let’s remember the path W.S. “Fluke” Holland’s took on the way to greatness; how he got all those nicknames, and how he contributed to the music industry we enjoy and love today.
In 1954, he graduated high school and started his career with the Perkins Brothers Band, whilst near his location as he was born in Saltillo, a small town south and west of Nashville that is relatively closer to Jackson. In his early bandmate years, Perkins found his performance unique as Holland was being observed making up some rhythm through an upright bass. In an interview with the band, Sun Records accidentally assigned him to be the group’s official drummer, and it birthed to the nickname “Fluke” as all things he does seem like one.
On his rising years as a drummer, not only did he choose to stick up to Johnny Cash, he also became the drummer for the Memphis Commercial Appeal. At that point, he’s practically a celebrity for the celebrities as his great drumming skills are simply irresistible. He was there on the recording of the ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ of Elvis Presley and also got drumming activities for Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Passing on the Drumsticks
Until his final days in the industry in the year 1997, W.S. “Fluke” Holland was together with Cash. From a drummer in 1997, he continued being involved in the music industry that significantly helped Johnny with his career.
In his last days in the world, even though unexpected, he still entertains us with the music he creates not as a job, but as a hobby. He may be the fluke, but one thing is for sure, music is in his veins and his passion will live on to the new generation of musicians.
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Grand Ole Opry, Johnny Cash, W.S ‘Fluke’ Holland
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