Oscar Holden was born on July 16, 1881, in Galveston, Texas, and began his musical career as a pianist in church bands and dance halls. He eventually moved to Seattle, where he became a prominent figure in the city's music scene, leading his own band and performing at popular venues like the Royal Palm Cafe and the Fremont Sunday Market. Holden's music was known for its unique blend of jazz, blues, and ragtime, which captivated audiences and helped to establish him as one of the leading musicians of his time.
In interviews he was laconic. Asked about fame, he shrugged and said fame is like a stray cat: it may sit on your doorstep for a while, but you can’t force it to stay. When asked why he returned to play in the alleys after bigger shows, he replied with a wayward smile: “Because that’s where the stories started.” alley cat strut oscar holden
