Chico Holiday, a name which once appeared high on the garish billboards of Las Vegas, Reno and Tahoe, is now a singing evangelist. As a recording artist for RCA and Decca Records, he made the top ten pop list with several hits. He is also remembered as the singing voice on television commercials for Polaroid, Pepsi, and Ford. While climbing to super-stardom in his singing career, he became the entertainer’s entertainer for such people as Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis, Jr.
Then a change germinated in Chico’s life, resulting in a desire to serve the Lord performing only gospel music – not in churches, but in Harolds Club in Reno, where he became their singing headliner for more than a year. While there his singing influenced many entertainers, including a female vocalist named Terry Meeuwsen, who made a decision for Christ and was later baptized by Chico. Miss Meeuwsen became Miss America in 1973.
Chico, after praying for further direction in his life, made a full commitment to Christian service and in making the transition went from a salary as high as $7,500 per week to “whatever the Lord provides. Chico’s book entitled Holiday In Hell, tells much of this amazing transition story.
At a Bible Conference in Nashville, Tennessee’s War Memorial Auditorium, I appeared on the program with Chico Holiday. This was my first opportunity to hear him sing and perform. As I watched him I thought what a wonderful way Got has of transforming people.
The magnificent performer that he is, and a seasoned veteran of the top spots of the entertainment world, Chico seemed a little embarrassed at the thunderous applause from the congregation of Christians. I could almost read his thoughts, “Thank you, but don’t applaud me. Give the glory to God.”
That is the change which came about in Chico. His philosophy is now like Paul’s, “I must decrease that Christ might increase.” I could see the increase of Christ in Chico Holiday. And sensing the Holy Spirit which exudes from his person, I am sure that’s all Chico wanted.
Sincerely,
Johnny Cash
