Holmes studied music at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and the Juilliard School in New York, before working with a number of bandleaders during the 1930s and early 40s. These included Ernst Toch. He worked for Vincent Lopez for six years, then joined Harry James as James was reaching the height of his popularity in early 1940s. After World War Two, he moved to Hollywood, where he was hired by MGM as a house arranger and conductor and later, United Artists, Holmes' biggest hit was his version of Dmitri Tiomkin's theme to The High and the Mighty, which featured whistler Fred Lowery. He contributed to many compilations of movie themes, released albums under his own name and backed a succession of singers, notably Gloria Lynne and Shirley Bassey. In addition, he produced albums for a number of other United Artists acts, including the Briarwood Singers.
