By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
Robert Holland, longtime member of Doc McKenzie and the Hi-Lites, has died after battling health issues for several years.
Holland said in a recent interview that he’s been a member of the Hi-Lites for 19 years. During his tenure, fans have enjoyed hearing him deliver the songs “Love One Another,” “Down the Road,” “Born by the River,” and “One Touch.” Despite his physical ailments, he continued to sing with the group as long as his health permitted.
At one time or another, Holland also had tenures with the Fantastic Goldenaires, Bill Pinkney and the Original Drifters, and Robert Holland and the Chosen Brothers.
Holland’s voice, which drew comparisons to Sam Cooke, will certainly be both remembered and missed. Our condolences are extended to his family, friends, fans, and Doc McKenzie and the Hi-Lites.
Update (12/7/15): Homegoing arrangements have been posted by the funeral home as follows:
Friday, December 11, 2015
Visitation and Viewing
4:00 – 6:00 PM
Musical Celebration of Life
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Red Budd Holy Church
637 Cleveland St.
Rocky Mount, NC
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Funeral Service
12 PM
L.N. Forbes Tabernacle
1800 Lane St. Ext.
Wilson, NC
Interment
Homestead Memorial Gardens
Greenville, NC
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.