At 11, I went to live with my maternal nan and granddad temporarily, after my parents separated, and Nan would let me have a go on her piano. My grandparents were like something out of the Noel Coward play, 'This Happy Breed,' and it was magical to hear them sing music-hall songs. Jools Holland breedcowardgranddad share on social
I learned to play by ear before I learned music theory. For me, that makes sense. After all, children learn to speak before they read and write. The more you understand of music - how harmony and time signatures work, and what chords and inversions are - the more you'll enjoy it. Jools Holland childchordear share on social
Amy Winehouse and Paul Weller are examples of poets, I think. Jools Holland amyexamplepaul Change image and share on social
As a bandleader, I try to pass on the same family values that I grew up with: help people, hang on to your sense of humour, be tolerant, and keep your judgments to yourself. Jools Holland bandleaderfamilygrow Change image and share on social
I learned from Van Morrison and BB King that the first take is the best. It's about capturing a moment. It's the same as love's first kiss. If you try to do it again, it doesn't work so well. Jools Holland capturekingkis Change image and share on social
Due to my work, I tend to stay in hotels a lot of the time, and I generally prefer smaller hotels, as you tend to get better service than in the larger hotels. Jools Holland duegenerallyhotel Change image and share on social
A good example of the modern world is the Eurotunnel. And mobile phones - I like them. Jools Holland eurotunnelgoodmobile Change image and share on social
I only know about a few things, but I am quite good at bluffing. There are a whole range of subjects, including the Renaissance, which I am prepared to sound expert on. Jools Holland bluffexpertgood Change image and share on social
I love Yamaha Clavinovas. I have them at home, in the studio and on tour with me. I find them ideal for all sorts of things: silent practice with headphones at home; writing; arranging and... just playing the blues! Jools Holland arrangeblueclavinovas share on social
Without the piano, my life would be a disaster - nobody would hold me in any regard. It's the thing that saved me. Jools Holland disasterholdlife Change image and share on social
