Texas bluesman and Rhode Island native JOHNNY NICHOLAS can wow a crowd of thousands or a small room of devotees. He has a long blues pedigree behind him – from his early musical alliances on the East Coast scene with Duke Robillard (Roomful of Blues) to recording and touring with legends like Big Walter Horton, Robert Pete Williams, Johnny Shines and Snooky Prior – but he probably became best known for his stint as lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist with the Grammy-winning Asleep at the Wheel.
Currently he is riding high more from his solo work than anything else. Last year's release, "Future Blues," received national critical acclaim and Johnny added to his fast growing fan base as he toured across the country performing the new tunes rooted in the venerable traditions of country, blues, acoustic music and Texas soul.
A favorite at the annual Labor Day weekend Rhythm & Roots Festival, he is also a part of the Knickerbocker family, taking a leadership role in the renovation and re-opening of the club three years ago. The Knick is always glad to welcome Johnny home.
www.johnnynicholasblues.com
Johnny Nicholas is an extremely engaging innovative traditionalist. He is constantly expanding the legacy of rhythm and blues with his music. He's so good on piano, guitar and harmonica that it's hard to decide which is his 'first' instrument. Johnny writes instant classics and sings them to break your heart and rock your soul.
- Marcia Ball
