The holly foundation

   Kermit Wells Holly, Sr., was born February 9, 1908, in Hinds County, Jackson, Mississippi. Mr. Holly was a music educator whose professional career as a music teacher and band director spans forty-six years. Mr. Holly expressed an interest in music at the age of five, at which time he received a formal education in music and held a host of degrees and accolades in this field of study.  

  Established in 1983, members of the Holly family formed The Holly Foundation in honor of Kermit W. Holly Sr., music's ambassador to Mississippi, who committed his life to educate students in music. The Foundation's offices are located in the historic Hill-Holly Building at 300 N. Farish Street in Jackson, Mississippi, within the Farish Street Historic District.

 

 During his illustrious career, Mr. Holly traveled throughout Mississippi, teaching and instructing pupils in the field of music, assisting academically and financially wherever needed. Mr. Holly became known as the "Father of Musicians" for African Americans across Mississippi. He was beloved and admired by his family, contemporaries, and students.