Dear Shaded Viewers,
Nicole Slack Jones, an embodiment of New Orleans’ rich musical heritage, is an American vocalist renowned for her soul-stirring performances that channel the essence of jazz, blues, and gospel. Her voice, both potent and emotive, has earned her international recognition and the adoration of audiences worldwide. From her early beginnings, Nicole’s voice was nurtured by the rhythmic heartbeat of her hometown, a city synonymous with musical innovation.
Her stage presence is magnetic, having shared the limelight with an array of music royalty—Lionel Richie’s smooth croonings, Stevie Wonder’s harmonica-laced melodies, Fats Domino’s rock ‘n’ roll piano riffs, Percy Sledge’s soulful outpourings, Zucchero’s Italian blues, Aloe Blacc’s modern soul, Byron Cage’s gospel vibrancy, the iconic Earth Wind & Fire’s funk grooves, Raymond Myles’ gospel fervor, and Rhoda Scott’s organ jazz magic. When Nicole performs, her voice doesn’t just sing; it envelops the space with an effervescence that commands attention, a joyous force that can rouse a congregation to its feet in a unified exclamation of “Hallelujah!”
Her vocal artistry, often likened to the legendary Aretha Franklin, has led many to view her as a “spiritual daughter” to the Queen of Soul, a testament to her profound influence on the genre. Nicole’s recent tour was a showcase of triumph, as she introduced her “Special Christmas” songs at the American Church in Paris, a performance that I, alongside my friend Marco de Rivera, had the pleasure of witnessing. Nicole Slack Jones is more than a singer; she is a musical force, a living encyclopedia of gospel music. With her golden voice as her instrument, she proves that with liberty of spirit and voice, the possibilities are boundless.
Later,
Diane
