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Julian Miles "Jools" Holland (born 24 January 1958) is an English pianist, bandleader and television presenter best known for his role in the rock/new wave band Squeeze and for bringing live music to British television. A co‑founder and early member of Squeeze, Holland established a parallel career as a broadcaster in the 1980s and 1990s; he became a familiar on‑screen figure presenting music shows and musical specials. He formed Jools Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra to underpin many of his television productions and live dates. Holland is particularly associated with the long‑running BBC series Later... with Jools Holland and the New Year special Jools' Annual Hootenanny, platforms on which he has showcased established and emerging musicians from across genres.

... Jools Holland began his professional music life in the 1970s as a founding member and keyboardist of Squeeze, contributing to the band’s early songwriting and recordings alongside Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford. After leaving the group as a full‑time member, Holland maintained an active performing and recording life while developing a parallel broadcasting career. During the 1980s he moved into television presentation — notably on Channel 4's The Tube — where his encyclopedic knowledge of popular music and relaxed interview manner won him recognition. In the late 1980s and early 1990s he established Jools Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra as a touring and studio unit; the band frequently appears on his television projects. Holland created and has hosted the acclaimed live music programme Later... with Jools Holland since 1992, and he has presented the BBC’s New Year special Jools' Annual Hootenanny since 1994. Across those series he has introduced international stars, reunited veteran performers with new audiences, and promoted fresh talent, maintaining a distinctive broadcasting voice that blends musicianship, curation and showmanship. Then & Now The 1980s In the 1980s Jools Holland moved from his roots as a co‑founder and keyboardist of Squeeze into a prominent broadcasting role, becoming a familiar on‑screen figure whose encyclopedic knowledge and relaxed interview style helped define music television of the era. He presented shows such as Channel 4’s The Tube and began to craft the live‑music showcase approach that would become his trademark, bringing both established acts and new talent to wider audiences. Toward the end of the decade he started assembling the musicians who would become Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, laying the groundwork for a parallel career as a bandleader and live performer. Now (2026) As of 2026 Holland remains an active figure in British music, continuing to present Later... with Jools Holland and the annual New Year Hootenanny while fronting his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra in recordings and tours. He is widely regarded as a tireless champion of live performance and emerging artists, and his long‑running television platforms have become a key part of his legacy. Beyond ongoing music and broadcasting work, Holland’s influence endures in the way live music is presented and celebrated on British TV. Career timeline 24 January 1958 Born Julian Miles Holland in London. 1974 Co‑founded the band Squeeze; began recording and performing with Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford. 1978–1980 Recorded and toured with Squeeze during the band's early chart successes. Early 1980s (1982) Became a television presenter on Channel 4’s music series The Tube. Late 1980s Formed Jools Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra to support touring and TV projects. 1992 Launched the live music series Later... with Jools Holland on BBC Two as host and musical director. 1994 Began presenting the BBC New Year special Jools' Annual Hootenanny, an annual televised Hogmanay show. 2000s Consolidated reputation as a leading champion of live and roots music on television and in concert. 2010s Continued to present live music programmes, tour with his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra and curate guest line‑ups featuring major and emerging artists. 2020s Remains active as a broadcaster and bandleader, presenting long‑running series and continuing live performances. Memorable screen quotes “Fabulous live performances,””General (1980s) “A track that captures the moment”General (1980s) “We’ll let the music speak”General (1980s) Public reference sources Public biography and credit reference.Jools Holland – Wikipedia reference search Public biography and credit reference.Jools Holland – IMDb name search Biographical and credit details were checked against Jools Holland – Wikipedia reference search, Jools Holland – IMDb name search.