Marvin’s Bio

Marvin’s masterful, musical maturity and dynamic, driving guitar sounds, blending blues, soul and jazz have been captivating audiences all over the world.

Marvin Holmes and the Uptights emerged as the Oakland Bay Area’s hottest soul band in the early 60’s and 70’s. Marvin’s knack for writing catchy tunes gave them two hits in the 60’s “The Funky Mule” and Ooh Ooh The Dragon. The “Funky Mule” instantly became a national hit and Marvin Holmes and The Uptights were signed to MCA UNI records. From that signing came the Album Ooh Ooh The Dragon and Other Monsters, which also became an instant hit. UNI Records MCA, renewed their contract and they went on to record the following songs on UNI Record, “Sweet Talk”, “Do You Like It”, and “You’re my Girl.

Marvin wrote songs that were recorded by the Natural Four, Buddy Miles and Ike Turner, (of the Ike and Tina Turner fame).

Marvin Holmes and the Uptights played behind many major, soul recording artists that came to the Oakland Bay area: B.B. King, The Whispers, David Ruffin, Lenny Williams, Etta James, Ester Phillips, Martha and the Vandellas, Hugh Masakela, Redd Foxx, to name a few.

In 1968, at the Oakland Coliseum Marvin Holmes and The Uptights opened the show for the Temptations, Shorty Long and the Natural Four.
On April 27, 1969, at the Oakland Coliseum Marvin Holmes and the Uptights opened the show for The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Chicago and Cat Mother.

In 1969, after a few more successful years as Marvin Holmes and the Uptights, Marvin decided it was time to make a change in his music and formed the following bands: The Funk Company, Marvin Holmes and Justice and Rush. Marvin Holmes and The Funk Company recorded a single entitled “Find Yourself” on Kimberly Records. In 1973, Marvin recorded an album with his band Marvin Holmes and Justice entitled “Summer of 73” on Brown Door Records, which enjoyed much airplay and sales and an offer to sign with a major label. He followed up with another album entitled Honor Thy Father on Brown Door Records. Marvin Holmes and The Funk Company Toured Canada with Little Richard.

In the 80’s Marvin Holmes re-signed with MCA Records and recorded the album “Feel So Good.” He toured with Randy Crawford. He toured with her as her guitarist, sharing the bill with such artists as The Crusaders, George Benson, Grover Washington, Jr., Noel Pointer, Dexter Gordon and Teddy Pendergrass.

Marvin Holmes signed with Dean Hodges’ record company, 75 Girls Records, to co-produce four albums for rapp artist Too Short: “Don’t Stop Rappin,” “Players,” “Girl That’s your Life Smokin that Glass Pipe,” and “Shortrapp:”

Marvin is now Back with Marvin Holmes and The Uptights to bring you “Sharmicar.”