Waverly Holiday & Sandra Mathis-Franklin

At the age of two, John made his singing debut - accompanied by his maternal grandmother, Sandra Mathis-Franklin - on a table top in the family home. From that moment on, John was destined to perform.  

His mother’s and grandmother’s natural musical talent was an inspiration to him. He became interested in the artistry of music – any and all genres – at an early age. He was most interested in mastering the piano. In the third grade, John received his first piano, the one he still owns today. One day, his mother, Waverly Holiday, played "Lean on Me" and he watched her intently.

He began practicing so diligently that he became a self-taught pianist by the age of 13, and by age 15, John was playing for local churches and in high demand as a wedding soloist. To this day, John has never had a formal piano lesson.

William R. Adams, Sara Ward & Denyce Graves

Since the age of two, folks knew John Holiday was special and had a bright future. In the first grade, John’s teacher would ask him to sing "Let There Be Peace On Earth" in the gymnasium, and students and teachers would go wild. Due to his mastery of the song, John’s second grade music teacher, Mrs. Arnold, kept a watchful eye on his talent. Intrigued by his voice, she recommended that John audition for choir programs, and he was accepted by the largest and one of the most prestigious boys choir in the world - The Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas (FBBC).

Founder and artistic director of the FBBC, William R. Adams, and Tour Choir pianist, Sara Ward, took an avid interest in John - discovering he had a unique vocal instrument. After a few years in the Tour Choir, John auditioned for many solos and was chosen as a premier soloist for the organization. His dedication and determination afforded him the opportunity to perform nation and worldwide, including the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, Italy, Austria, Germany, Denmark, Mexico City, the West Coast and the Midwestern United States, and several venues throughout his home state of Texas. 

The FBBC is an Addy Award-winning group that has recorded commercials and performed before notables such as Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, Pope John Paul II, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Pardon, Frederica Von Stade, Audra MacDonald, Manhattan Transfer, Shirley Jones, and John’s favorite performer and artistic inspiration, world renown mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves. 

In 1999, the FBBC named John “Most Outstanding Choirboy,” an honor given to only  one of 250 members.

Pam Scarborough, Walt Wendtland & Mr. & Mrs. Lee Leaman

For four years, John performed in the Lamar Consolidated High School band and Varsity Chorale and Swing Choir. During his junior and senior years he auditioned and was awarded the position of marching band drum major and made first chair Tenor I in the Texas Music Educators Association's Mixed Choir. John was also named one of the "Best Performers in Texas" by the University Interscholastic League. 

Throughout his high school career, his choir conductor, Pam Scarborough, and Principal Walt Wendtland, mentored him to achieve academic success and prepare for college. Scarborough and Wendtland so believed in John that they often made introductions to assist John in his personal and professional advancement. One day, they introduced John to Mr. & Mrs. Lee Leaman.

From the moment the Leamans heard John perform - they have been John's biggest fans. The Leamans have become John’s benefactors throughout his college career and they support him in his academic and professional endeavors. Serving as a constant source of encouragement, the Leamans often travel short and long distances to attend John’s performances. John has often said that he would not be where he is today without the love and support of his family and Mr. & Mrs. Lee Leaman.