Malcolm Holcombe was a singer and songwriter known for his back-to-basics Americana music.
- Died: March 9, 2024 (Who else died on March 9?)
- Details of death: Died of cancer-related respiratory failure at the age of 68.
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Malcolm Holcombe’s legacy
Born in Weaverville, North Carolina, and raised in the area, Holcombe grew up surrounded by music, especially the Grand Ole Opry, bluegrass, early rock ‘n roll, and even some French harp played by his mother. He left college to pursue music, playing with the Hilltoppers and Redwing, and working as a songwriter who leaned into folk, country, and Americana traditions.
Holcombe briefly earned the attention of Geffen Records in the 1990s, but they shelved his record, “A Hundred Lies,” before releasing it. However, the album was acclaimed by critics that had received promotional copies, and it was eventually released by a small label, Hip-O Records. He pushed on despite the setback, writing, recording, and releasing albums on independent labels, 18 in all. His most recent was 2022’s “Bits & Pieces.” In addition to his solo albums, he appeared on a half-dozen others, and he also released a collaborative album with Sam Milner.
Holcombe was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 and fought the disease while recording his last record. In his final years, he sometimes performed while hooked up to oxygen. He had emergency surgery in March 2024 that placed him on a ventilator shortly before his death.
On developing a fan base:
“It’s a miracle to have a pulse and be able to share a tale or two. It just goes to show that if you hang around the barber shop long enough you’re gonna get a haircut. I just hung on ’til I did.”—from a 2009 interview for No Depression
Tributes to Malcolm Holcombe
Full obituary: Saving Country Music
