Piano, clarinet.
Along with Frank Waldron, one of the two “patriarchs” of Seattle jazz. A technical virtuoso, Holden was born in Nashville, Tenn. and played on Fate Marable’s riverboats before moving to Chicago, then went to Vancouver, B.C., where in 1919-20, playing clarinet, he led a band that included Jelly Roll Morton, at the Patricia Hotel. Holden played the Blue Rose with Joe Darensbourg and became a fixture at the 908 Club, where he accompanied singers. He played through the 1960s, dying in 1969. His children include five musicians who played roles in Seattle music.
Jackson Street After Hours (print). https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/holden-oscar-1887-1969/#:~:text=(1886%2D1969),-December%2015%2C%202007&text=Oscar%20Holden%2C%20often%20called%20the,fourth%20child%20of%20five%20children