As soon as the sumptuous opening strains of this Philly classic begin, you know you’re in for something smooth and soulful.  Even so, nothing quite prepares you for the sweet sound of Eddie Holman’s soaring falsetto.

Hey There Lonely Boy was originally a hit for Ruby & The Romantics before Eddie gave it a gender-swap for his first and only UK hit – coming nearly two decades after his recoring debut.

Born in Virginia and raised in New York City, Eddie was a child star. He started singing in church as a small boy and made his public performing debut at the age of only ten, winning the weekly Amateur Night at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, performing in theatre and on TV as “Little” Eddie Holman.

This was recorded after his family moved to Philadelphia, where he later became a Baptist minister and founded his own label (Agape Records) and publishing company (Schoochiebug Music).

He’s still going strong as a performer of both Gospel and secular music, much like his predecessor the Rev Al Green, and is still ministering to the poor and needy of Philly.