First Listen: Joshua Henry is the real deal on "Hold Me"

(December 10, 2020) If you watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, you got a glimpse of Joshua Henry. He was there reprising his theatrical turn as Aaron Burr in the performance of “The Schuyler Sisters” from the Tony Award winning play “Hamilton.” Henry displayed his hip-hop flow on that song, and he showcases his range as a singer on the excellent “Hold Me,” the lead track from his debut EP Guarantee, which drops on Feb. 12.

“Hold Me” is a power packed song that has a powerful message that is in part born out of Henry’s experience as a man and an artist trying to balance relationships and ambition during a pandemic. Henry’s definitely made a name for himself on the stage, not only starring in “Hamilton,” but also in another historical drama “The Scottsboro Boys.” But a voice like his needs to stand alone. But why risk it? Henry’s acting career on stage and screen was progressing and he also had a family to be concerned about. Don’t rock the boat. But then the boat got rocked in the form of COVID-19.

Theater districts around the nation went dark. While Henry social distanced, his wife saved lives and risked hers as a nurse. Cathryn, his wife, was the one who encouraged him to pursue his dream. She didn’t hold him back and that encouragement became the source and inspiration for a song that tells a story of a man with dual longings – to pursue his heart’s desire and to know that he has the support of the one that he loves. It is a powerful anthem that is both timeless in its arrangement and theme and timely in the message. Check out the video for “Hold Me” here.

By Howard Dukes

Joshua Henry - "Hold Me"