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The David Earl Holt Collection
Official Obituary:
David Earl Holt, former head director of the Austin Public Library and professional musician, died early Tuesday morning, March 17. He was 80 years old.
He was born and raised in Magna, Utah. A gifted trombonist, composer and musical arranger, he played with many bands and orchestras including, Tommy Dorsey, Tex Beneke and Gene Krupa.
He held Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Music from Brigham Young University as well as a Masters degree in Librarianship from Emory University in Atlanta.
Holt presided over the public library system in Austin, Texas from 1967 to 1991. During his directorship, Austin’s budget for libraries grew tenfold resulting in the construction of a new central headquarters, more branch libraries, increased collections, progressive community outreach programs and a revised circulation system.
Shortly before his retirement, he created his own dance band, "Dancin' with David." He also composed marches and swing arrangements for jazz orchestras and military bands in Texas and Utah. His musical compositions and artifacts are housed at the University of North Texas Music Library. A catalogue of his works is listed on the library’s website as "The David Earl Holt Collection."
Holt was an active member of the Austin Writer’s League, having written essays, short humor pieces and book reviews for local publications. His abiding interests were a love of books, telling jokes, watching football, playing the stock market, swimming, organic gardening and fishing.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Holt; daughters, Helen L. Holt and Jane E. Holt; and son Steven E. Holt. His grandchildren include, David Judson, Robert Hamer V, Lewis Hamer, Jonathan Hamer, Lily Holt and Cora Holt.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution to the UNT Music Library for maintenance of the David Earl Holt Collection please contact Morris Martin (Head of the Music Library) at morris.martin@unt.edu or write to:
