From Pop Star to Barrister: Mark Holden's Unconventional Journey
Mark Holden, the 72-year-old singer, songwriter, TV personality, and barrister, recently shared insights into his multifaceted career during a walk along the Elwood foreshore in Melbourne. Holden, known as the 'Carnation Kid' in the 1970s for handing out red carnations on Countdown, has navigated a path from teen heartthrob to Logie-winning actor, US Billboard-charting songwriter, talent incubator, Australian Idol judge, and finally a barrister.
Holden's career began with his older brother Craig. 'I picked up the guitar because he picked up the guitar,' he said, recalling watching his brother's band play in Adelaide pubs as a teenager. 'I was hooked from then on.'
The Rise and Fall in America
After success in Australia, Holden pursued his dreams in the US. His first single flopped after a painful wisdom tooth extraction forced him to perform through swelling. 'It was the universe telling me what I should have probably known – that my voice was not a voice that was going to sell records in America,' he said, adding, 'That, and it was a terrible single.'
Following this setback, Holden met a psychiatrist in Los Angeles who introduced him to Carl Jung's works. He quit alcohol and weed, adopted a health kick, and began writing down his dreams daily. 'I still pay attention to my dreams,' he said. 'Looking back over time I can see that I’ve been able to connect to my spirit and my soul in a way that has helped me.'
Songwriting Success and Return to Australia
One morning, Holden awoke with the chorus of 'Lady Soul' in his mind. He recorded a demo that reached Berry Gordy, founder of Motown. 'He played it for Smokey Robinson, the Temptations cut it and suddenly, I was a songwriter,' Holden recalled. The song reached number four on the Billboard charts. He went on to pen more than 10 Billboard-charting tracks and worked with David Hasselhoff and Milla Jovovich.
After his daughter was born, Holden decided to return to Australia. 'I wanted her to grow up in Australia,' he said. He completed his law degree, discovered and managed Vanessa Amorosi, and served as an original judge on Australian Idol from 2003 until 2008, when his stint ended abruptly. 'I was reverberating from the shock of that for about a year. I really enjoyed that job,' he said.
Health Challenges and a New Career
A thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2010 permanently altered his singing voice. 'I was in my mid-50s by then. I was too young to retire and I knew that I needed a challenge to reaffirm myself after the shock of that,' Holden explained. A chance meeting with a barrister while waiting for an iPhone inspired him to practise law. It took 39 years from starting university to being admitted as a barrister. He retired 13 years later, after becoming 'too grumpy.' 'I started telling the judges off. And that’s really totally uncool and of no service to your client. I knew it was time to go,' he said.
Music Today: A Labor of Love
Now two years into retirement, Holden is writing and recording new songs, remixing dormant singles, and remastering a few tracks from the 1970s. His new album, 'Now and Then and Shirley MacLaine,' features collaborations with old friends from Compton, including Larry Dunn from Earth Wind & Fire, and new acquaintances from the Melbourne Savage Club, a private men's club. 'It’s unashamedly a men’s club that welcomes women [as guests]. And I think that’s a healthy thing,' he said.
The title track was inspired by a staff member at the Royal Hawaiian hotel in Waikiki. 'It’s crazy, marijuana is totally legal, but there is nowhere to smoke,' Holden said, recounting how he chatted with staff during a break and the song appeared in his mind instantly.
Despite the personal invigoration, Holden acknowledges the financial reality. 'Music has no financial value any more for people my age,' he said. While streaming could theoretically generate income, it pales compared to his past royalties. 'Those records went gold, I did eight gigs in total … I made enough money to buy my grandparents’ house in cash.' Today, the same number of streams would earn him around $2,000.
'For people my age, there’s really nowhere for us to be seen any more. We’re sort of invisible,' he said with a shrug. He has formed an 'old man' group at Savage Club that performs monthly. 'One of the gentlemen who sang with us last night is 92!'
Reflections on a Life Well Lived
As the walk concluded, Holden reflected on his journey. 'Professionally, I’ve done exactly what I want. I really have. And in all of those years, two handfuls of things have worked out.' He added, 'As you get older you know more than ever that there are troughs and that there are waves. You just have to have faith in life.'
Holden's album 'Every Little Thing' is out now, and 'Now and Then and Shirley MacLaine' will be released on 28 August.
