Alligator Records’ President Bruce Iglauer reports that Nick Holt, the bass-playing younger brother of Magic Slim, died of brain cancer on Monday, June 22, 2009 in Lincoln, Nebraska where he had been living. He was 69.

Born in Granada, Mississippi in 1940, Nick moved to Chicago in 1956. Four years later, he and his brother formed Magic Slim & The Teardrops. Slim's raucous guitar and Nick's insistent bass lines anchored the band and created a tough, rock-solid groove. Magic Slim & The Teardrops recorded numerous albums for a wide array of labels including Rooster Blues, Blind Pig, Wolf Records, Alligator, Isabel, Delmark, Red Lightnin', Black & Blue, Evidence, and others.

Nick had not been touring for the last few years, possibly for health reasons. In addition to scores of Magic Slim & The Teardrops records, and various sessions as a sideman, Nick recorded three releases bearing his name: Magic Slim And Nick Holt, You Can't Lose What Never Had (Wolf Records); Nick Holt, You Better Watch Yourself (Wolf Records); Little Boogie Boy Blues Band featuring Nick Holt, We Do It For The Blues.

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Tony Houston

I talked to Slim yesterday, and he's doing alright. Nick has been ill for awhile, and his suffering is over.

Me & Slim after our show.

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Tony Houston

Sad to hear about his passing. Thanks for the update and picture!