While pursuing a journalism degree at Louisiana State University,
Holden worked full-time at two daily Baton Rouge, La., newspapers
as reporter, feature writer, sports reporter and copy desk
editor. After graduating from LSU in 1967, he was assistant
manager editor of the largest weekly newspaper in Louisiana.
As a U.S. Air Force public information officer (captain) from
1968-1972, he handled North American Aerospace Defense command
public information and was founder-editor of an award-winning
news magazine.
After military service, Holden settled in Dallas and began
a 27-year freelance career, spending a lot of time in Hollywood
specializing in celebrity interviews--from Bob Hope to John
Travolta to Sharon Stone and Jay Leno. His first country music
interview was Loretta Lynn.
Holden has been published in a wide range of mainstream magazines,
plus dozens of in-flight publications in the U.S. and overseas.
He also found time to serve his city, a suburb of Dallas, as
mayor for 12 years (1986-1998).
In 1993, Holden received his master of arts in journalism
from Texas A&M University, and two years later he co-founded
a Dallas-based film production company to produce music videos,
TV commercials and other film projects.
As a freelancer, he contributed regularly to Country Weekly
since its founding, traveling cross country to interview such
stars as Shania Twain, Clint Black, LeAnn Rimes, Willie Nelson
and scores of other country performers. In late 1998, he moved
permanently to Music City and officially joined the staff as
senior writer.
Advancing to senior editor, then to associate editor and now
executive editor, Holden assists in planning the magazine's
story content, works with fellow editors and reporters, and
tackles his own Scene & Heard column in the magazine. "Country
Weekly has evolved into the premier country music magazine,
and I enjoy being a part of its development," declares
Holden.
Larry
Holden's entertainment journalism background spans almost 30
years, including more than 1,000 interviews with movie and TV
stars -- and, of course, country music performers.