Johnny Holliday's Biography: The Journey
Johnny Holliday's Biography
Early Years
It all began for me in San Antonio, Texas. Although I was born in Texas, I actually grew up in many places throughout the world, because of my father's career in the oil industry. We enjoyed a life that others could only dream of. We lived in many different countries like Egypt, Libya, and Cyprus, learning a lot about different cultures along the way. My first band class was in the fourth grade. Like most kids I wanted to play the drums, until one day I heard my brother, Albert, practicing his trumpet. His music hypnotized me. The trumpet commanded my attention and motivated me to play just like my big brother. Music came naturally to me. During my high school years, I pursued every opportunity to perform. I loved playing during marching band season. I played in solo and ensemble competitions and also played lead with the high school jazz band. I dreamed of becoming one of the best trumpet players of all time.
I worked very hard during these years, earning a college music scholarship when I graduated. I only attended for one year. Once again following in my brother's footsteps I enlisted in the US Air Force. I auditioned and was accepted into the Air Force's prestigious show band, Tops in Blue. I proudly participated in the 1992 "For the Record" World Tour. My band performed in more than 14 countries and 44 states in only 10 months. It was an experience of a life time.
When my enlistment ended I took a job as a roughneck for an offshore oil drilling company. Working 100 miles off shore on an oil rig can be a humbling experience. I used this opportunity as a time for reflection and spiritual maturity. It's amazing how you start thinking about your relationship with God when faced with the constant life threatening dangers of working on an off shore oil rig. And believe me, when you're out there all alone you want to be close with God. So during that time as a roughneck, I decided to study my Bible and seek a personal relationship with God. I also improved my trumpet skills too. My mother has always been there for me throughout all the long, long hours of practice. She loves music and particularly the trumpet. It was my mother's dream that my brother and I would one day play a duet together at her church.
One day, finally, we were invited to play a duet at the church, and we had a blast. The next thing we know we were invited to another church, then another! Eventually we formed our group "Double Portion". We toured from West Coast to East Coast playing on local television stations, in churches, for large music conferences and outdoor events.
We toured together for a couple of years, and then Albert moved to a small town in Texas with his family and become a pastor. I was blessed, too, marrying the most beautiful woman I'd ever met. I still continued to travel and play music but this time with my wife as my companion.
While traveling I met one of the world's top trumpet players, Roy Roman. He dedicated considerable time to me. Roy taught me that I would continually fall short of true success without proper training as a musician. Following his advice, I sought instruction from highly skilled jazz and classical musicians. Instructors, such as Joe LoCascio, Dr. Woody Witt, Frances Fenton, Austin Biel and Steve Krenz, taught me so much. This was a reality check for me. I developed into a whole new level as a musician; a level I thought I'd never reach. Remembering a saying, "if you want to fly like an eagle, then you need to hang around a group of eagles;" these people were "eagles" to me.
Military Career
But then the 9-11 tragedy struck. Because of my love for my country, I re-enlisted in the Air Force in 2003 and was assigned to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. I began my career as a combat law enforcement member. I put my heart into my military career and worked very diligently. With God's help and plenty of personal discipline, I achieved many awards like "Top Gun" and "Distinguished Graduate". This time in the military, I wanted my efforts to really count. I set my personal goal to compete for the Air Force's Elite Special Forces Para-Rescue Team, the "PJ's". I knew from the start I would have to train exceptionally hard. A few months later my unit was unexpectedly deployed overseas, but I continued training. All my efforts were focused on joining this elite organization; I even considered abandoning my music. This deployment, like my time on the oil rig, became another spiritual training ground opening musical doors I had never considered. Most of my down time I trained, but one particular day I decided to take a break and check out the base chapel praise and worship team. When they had finished practicing, I asked if I could use the chapel so I could practice my horn alone. I needed to be alone with God and my music. Unknown to me the chapel staff remained and listened to my playing. They enjoyed it so much; they asked if I would play for them in an upcoming base music show for the troops. I accepted the offer, and then I played a few more songs. Everyone present was encouraged and their spirits were uplifted by the music. Playing my trumpet for that music show was an epiphany. Just as my military career and love of country are very important to me, I finally recognized I equally love my music. Soon thereafter I played at Ali Al Salem Kuwaiti Air Base, the American Embassy Kuwait, the Kuwaiti Christian Church, for various visiting foreign dignitaries and many others. Now I commenced a struggled between the desire to compete for Air Force Special Forces or continue pursuing the music I've always loved. That is when I had met Chief Klukas. He asked me a simple but hard to answer question. "Why would you give up such a gift that you know God has given you to pursue a dream that would take you away from time with your own family?" This was true and I knew the right answer. As hard as it was, I made the decision that I would follow my true calling of music. I continue my military career, and I've learned to incorporate my love for music in everything I do. I enjoy playing at special events and ceremonies, because I know that the music uplifts my fellow soldiers. I even had the distinct honor of performing "Taps" while deployed to Iraq for our fallen brothers and sisters at arms of the Army 10th Mount Division and numerous other performances for our troops, during my second deployment in 2007.
Today
In my career, I have met so many amazing people, both military and civilian. People I'll never forget. As an Airman I will fight for our nation's freedom and as a musician, I uplift people through the gift of music. I have made it my life's ambition to strive for excellence in all that I do, whether as a husband, a father, a friend, a musician and an Airman. I may not be able to change the world, but I can certainly help lighten the burdens of those around me.
My family and I recently moved to Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, where I am member of the 482nd Security Forces Squadron. No matter where I'm stationed, I will continue playing music wherever I go. Whenever a door opens up for me to encourage someone, I will step on through it. If you are ever down in Florida, you might see me and my wife, Denise, along with our four children playing at one of Miami's beautiful beaches or anywhere else people might be gathered together who love playing music or enjoying some good ol' jazz.
