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Rising Stars: Meet Brandon Holden

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Holden.

Brandon Holden

Hi Brandon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today. 
Growing up on the vibrant streets of Grandview, a city nestled within Kansas City’s southside, basketball was my passion throughout middle and high school. It wasn’t until after I graduated in 2009 that I discovered the transformative power of music. In the aftermath of graduation, amidst the rhythm of life in Grandview, I found solace and inspiration in the beats and melodies that echoed through the streets. Music became my refuge, a sanctuary where I could channel my emotions and aspirations into something tangible. 

In 2010, seeking new horizons and fresh opportunities, I made the pivotal decision to move to Birmingham, Alabama. Little did I know this leap of faith would set the stage for a journey filled with both triumphs and tribulations. 

Tragedy struck with devastating force in the years to come. On February 27th, 2013, my cousin’s untimely death shook me to the core, leaving me grappling with grief and searching for meaning amidst the pain. 

Just a short while later, on Easter, another blow struck as my uncle passed away, further deepening the sense of loss and sorrow. 

As the year progressed, October brought yet another wave of heartache with the loss of my beloved grandmother, who fought valiantly against stage 4 cancer. Each passing felt like a heavy burden to bear, but I found strength in the memories of those I had loved and lost. 

In January 2014, my world was once again shaken to its core with the passing of my father, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer. His absence left a void that could never be filled, yet his legacy of love and resilience lived on in me. 

In December 2017, a week before Christmas, I bid farewell to another pillar of my life, my other grandmother and my dad’s mother. Her passing added to the weight of grief that I carried, yet her love and wisdom continued to guide me through the darkness. 

Amidst the grief and pain, a flicker of hope emerged with the birth of my daughter in May 2019. She became my reason to fight, my beacon of light in the darkness. 

However, nine months later, my world was once again shattered when I discovered she wasn’t biologically mine. The revelation was a devastating blow, yet it also became the catalyst for a new beginning. 

I was working as a garbage man for the city of Birmingham, making very low wages, I felt. So before leaving Alabama, I took a stand for justice and dignity by advocating for the city’s Garbage truck workers. Through the challenges of the pandemic, I made a big Facebook post and tagged all the officials, including the mayor. I reached out to the news and spoke about the inhumane conditions we faced. Through collective action and advocacy, we secured a well-deserved raise of 3 dollars for the entire city’s Garbage truck workers. 

Since making Los Angeles my home in March 2022. I’ve been blessed to perform at iconic venues like the historic Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham and the legendary Whiskey-A-Go Go in Los Angeles. The stages of Liemert Park and the Juneteenth festival have witnessed my passion and energy as I strive to uplift and inspire audiences with every performance. 

On June 4th, 2023, tragedy struck again when I was involved in a car accident in Los Angeles. The incident left me with broken ribs and a punctured lung, serving as a stark reminder of life’s fragility. Yet, amidst the pain and recovery, it fueled my determination to make every moment count. 

Even through the trials, I believe Los Angeles provides the perfect platform to share my message of positivity and resilience. My mantra, “It’s a great day to be great,” has become my guiding light, reminding me to embrace each day with gratitude and strive for greatness. “Breathing is Achieving” 

All in all, throughout my journey, I’ve received recognition from media outlets like CBS42 News and WVTM 13, Birmingham news stations, who have shared my story of resilience and hope. But beyond the accolades, my ultimate goal remains clear: to inspire others to love, give back, and contribute to a better world. 

With every beat, I strive to spread positivity and encourage others to embrace their potential. Because with me, every day truly is “a great day to be great!” 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been far from a smooth road. I’ve faced numerous challenges along the way, each one leaving its mark on my journey. Heartbreak has been a constant companion, from the devastating loss of loved ones to the betrayal and disillusionment that came with discovering my daughter wasn’t biologically mine. Each blow felt like a heavy weight on my shoulders, threatening to crush me under the weight of grief and despair. 

Alcoholism was another demon I had to confront. In moments of pain and uncertainty, it offered a temporary escape, but ultimately, it only deepened the wounds and delayed the healing process. It took immense strength and courage to acknowledge my struggle and seek help, but doing so was a pivotal moment in my journey towards healing and redemption. 

Pain has been a recurring theme in my life, both physical and emotional. The car accident in Los Angeles served as a stark reminder of life’s fragility, leaving me with broken ribs and a punctured lung. But the physical pain was nothing compared to the emotional turmoil I experienced in the aftermath of each loss and setback. 

Family has always been my rock, yet they’ve also been the source of some of my deepest pain. The loss of my father, grandmother, and other loved ones left a void in my heart that can never be filled. Each passing felt like a piece of my soul being torn away, leaving me adrift in a sea of grief and loneliness. 

But amidst the darkness, there was always a glimmer of hope. The love of my daughter, the support of friends and fans, and the healing power of music were constants that helped me navigate through the darkest moments. They reminded me that even in the depths of despair, there is always light to be found. 

So no, it hasn’t been a smooth road. But it’s been a journey filled with growth, resilience, and ultimately, triumph. Each challenge I’ve faced has made me stronger, more compassionate, and more determined to live each day with purpose and gratitude. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an Inspirational music artist. I make music with no cursing, always with feel-good vibes. I’m known for my personality and, stage presence, and performances. Backflipping off stage is a specialty of mine. I’m most proud of my resilience to stay at it so long doing uplifting and positive music in a world filled with darkness. 

How do you define success?
Success is no longer measured by the accumulation of wealth or the praise of others. It’s found in the quiet moments of gratitude, in the gentle rise of the morning sun, and in the genuine smiles that grace the faces of those around you. It’s about waking up each day with a heart overflowing with appreciation for the simple blessings life offers. True success is the ability to create beauty and meaning in the world, to craft melodies that resonate with the soul, and to cultivate atmospheres that uplift and inspire. It’s about infusing every interaction with kindness, empathy, and understanding, leaving a trail of warmth and positivity wherever you go. 

In essence, success is not about what you have but about who you are and the impact you have on the lives of others. It’s about living authentically, pursuing your passions with unwavering dedication, and leaving behind a legacy of love, joy, and compassion. 

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Image Credits

Adam Haans
Brian Rock

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