Education
He attended the public schools of Ennis and was professionally trained at Texas Barber College in Fort Worth, Texas.
He attended the public schools of Ennis and was professionally trained at Texas Barber College in Fort Worth, Texas.
He was licensed as a Master Barber in 1927. Holmes was a singer in several gospel quartets, and traveled across the state appearing in religious concerts. He received religious training as a student of the United Christian Leadership School under Dean Vada P. Felder.
In the early 1940s, black-oriented radio station KNOK, which mainly aired rhythm and blues programs, decided to try a Gospel music program to expand its format.
Holmes was selected to present the program, which became popular. Martin Luther King Junior., then a highly controversial figure, came to Fort Worth, Texas on his only tour in the state, upon Holmes" invitation.
Holmes died on January 8, 1989. He is buried at Cedar Hill Memorial Park in Arlington, Texas.