Holly Dunn

Today’s talented southerner was born on August 22, 1957, in San Antonio, TX. Throughout high school and college, she performed and wrote music with her brother and future song writing pro, Chris Waters. One of the siblings’ collaborations, “Out of Sight, Out of Mind” was recorded by the popular Christy Lane. The song’s success convinced Holly to give it a go in Nashville, the home of Country Music.

Holly paid some dues as a demo singer and as a staff songwriter for CBS before moving to MTM in 1984 where she wrote a Top Ten hit for Louise Mandrell entitled, “I’m Not Through Loving You Yet” that earned her a recording contract of her own. Holly’s self-titled debut album, released in 1985, contained a Father’s Day gift she had written for her dad. Daddy’s Hands” climbed the charts and became her first Top Ten Hit. Over the next few years, Holly stacked up a host of awards, including three Grammy nominations, ACM New Female Vocalist Award and the CMA Horizon Award, a run that culminated with her induction into the Grand Ole Opry. After MTM closed its doors, Holly signed with Warner Brothers and continued releasing hits until the day came when she stepped back from the limelight, reconsidered her options, and reinvented herself as a highly successful radio talk show host and television broadcaster. These days, Holly Dunn’s musical success has allowed her the freedom to pursue her second love. She’s a professional artist living and working in her home state of Texas. She likes to say she still sings to buy art supplies.

For countless fans, myself included, Holly’s first Top Ten hit will always be a sentimental favorite. In today’s southern quote, we celebrate the career of Holly Dunn and these lasting lyrics, “Daddy’s hands weren’t always gentle, but I’ve come to understand, there was always love In Daddy’s hands. If I could do things over, I’d live my life again, and never take for granted the love in Daddy’s hands.”–Holly Dunn

~Shellie