Hollis Grant - Rough Riders

Parallel Universal Music Group©🌐 Hollis Grant emerged from the vibrant yet tumultuous streets of New York City in the early 1970s, capturing the soul of an era with his poignant lyrics and compelling voice. Known for his deep, soulful sound and thought-provoking lyrics, Hollis quickly became a voice for the voiceless, singing about the harsh realities of street life with an authenticity that resonated with many. Born into the challenges of inner-city life, Hollis was no stranger to hardship. From a young age, he was involved with local gangs, a path that led him to witness and experience the gritty aspects of urban survival firsthand. His experiences on the streets not only shaped his worldview but also his music, infusing his songs with raw emotion and hard truths about poverty, injustice, and struggle. Despite his tough exterior, Hollis had a soft spot for pit bulls—dogs he felt were misunderstood and misrepresented much like himself. He often advocated for these loyal companions, seeing parallels between their plight and his own life, struggling against societal prejudices. Hollis’s breakthrough came with his hit single “Rough Riders” and was swiftly gaining notice for his revolutionary music with a modern twist that spoke directly to the younger generations navigating the complexities of 70s urban America. His music was a blend of jazz, soul, and blues, but it was his spoken word poetry, delivered with a cool demeanor, that set him apart. Tragically, Hollis’s promising career was cut short when he was fatally shot in a gang-related incident. This devastating event robbed the world of a rising star who could have continued to influence and inspire for decades. Today, Hollis Grant is remembered not just for his music but for his resilience and his relentless advocacy for those on the fringes of society. His albums are considered essential listening for those who seek to understand the soul of New York during one of its most dynamic and challenging times.