Nicole Henry-
Description Since her debut in 2004, Jazz Recording Artist Nicole Henry’s passionate, soulful voice and heartfelt charisma have earned her a Soul Train Award for “Best Traditional Jazz Performance,” and three Top-10 U.S. Billboard and HMV Japan jazz albums. Heralded by The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Japan Times, El Pais, Jazz Times, Essence and more, Ms. Henry tells real stories through unparalleled interpretations of repertoire from the American Songbook, classic and contemporary jazz, popular standards, blues and originals.
Interview conducted on May 18, 2021
By Dan Locke
A NYC/Miami-based international recording artist specializing in jazz, Songbook, soul, & adult contemporary. Board member of Miami Music Project, SAG & Actors Equity member, avid marathon runner, beach lover & pecan pie aficionado
How did you discover music?
Well, fortunately I grew up in a household where my mother and father enjoyed listening to music. In the car we pretty much initially only heard our parents’ music…songs from the 60s. So, Motown…and more Motown. And at home we heard the amazing music of the 70s on LPs.
Fortunately, my mother learned to play piano as a child and she also had one of her degrees in Education- so she knew, very well, the importance of music education. She didn’t ask my sister and I, she explained to us that we had to choose an instrument to learn in middle school. My sister and I were excited about it…I went on to sing in school and church choirs and I played cello for 6 years.
What was your first performance at like?
I was always singing as a soloist in school and church but it was this performance in college where I was able to perform on a professional stage as a headliner – that changed my life. I had recorded 2 songs for a house music producer and we were hired to perform live at a rave in Orlando. I can still recall the room, the stage, my outfit and the knowingness in that moment that I had truly found a passion- something that I needed to do again and again, and something I just wanted to get better at doing. It was a moment I wish everyone in their life could experience.
What makes a good songwriter?
I think someone who can be honest and candid…someone who notices the details and intricacies in everyday feelings.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
Yes, I am a BMI writer
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
It was called ‘Because You’re You.’ I did record it and we made a music video for it…but I never formally released it. I think it’s on YouTube…I need to check actually! LOL…wow…
How was it to perform in Japan?
I love that country…not only because its jazz lovers embraced my music, but for its beauty. It’s a gorgeous country to travel across. The reverence for life and nature that is embedded in their culture is heart-warming.
Most people don’t get the chance to sing the National Anthem during a sporting event. You have done that twice. What was either of those days like?
Child, I must have sung the National Anthem at a sporting event over 200 times…and I never get tired of it. But it gained new meaning for me around 2007 when I sang it at a presidential campaign event. I like to pose the entire song as a question…it starts off that way. “O say can you see…?” One day America might see…But give me a stadium filled with 65,000 fans-in-waiting and a viewing TV audience….!!! I’m as happy as a bee making honey
What is your favorite song to perform?
Whichever one I’m singing at the time…
Who does your arranging?
I have a handful of musicians that have done arrangements for me…and I’m happy to credit them!! Pianists Shedrick Mitchell, David Cook, John Stoddart, Gil Goldstein, Jaui Schneider… but very often it’s my Miami band that has collaborated in rehearsal after rehearsal and come up with some cool stuff. My bassist Eric England came up with FEELING GOOD from a general idea I gave him…and over the years the band adds finishing touches. It’s quite a magical experience…witnessing inspiration and collective creativity.
Tell me about the night you won the Soul Train Best Traditional Jazz Performance award?
Award shows and winning an award is kind of an outer body experience you have to recall. It’s probably important to recall its value more than I do- meaning, we all must not shrink away from our accomplishments. We must allow them to inspire and encourage us to continue to GO FOR IT WITH ABANDON!!
How do you stay healthy while performing?
Fortunately, I love working out. I love all kinds of sports and fitness activities. It’s IN ME to keep hustling and to meet any physical challenge put in front of me!! Plus, I love dessert so I have to balance that out…😬
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
I’m super cool with technological advancements. I wish more providers streamed at better quality level format. AND, I wish all music lovers paid for their streaming subscriptions. AND I wish ALL digital music providers paid at least $.01 per stream (like Apple, Tidal, Amazon…). Some of these digital music providers are effectively pimping out music makers…and getting rich while doing it -then telling us to just keep making more music annually. The fact is…good music takes time and people should be happy to pay for the music they love (especially when their platforms are getting them rich!!!). But I could go on and on about greed and lack of fairness…however, my Mom always reminded me “life is not fair.”
Digital vs. vinyl?
Vinyl sounds better always…
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
EW&F –Written in the Stone
Well, that’s because I just had a girlfriend’s weekend hang- and we danced to a ton of EW&F and Stevie. The songs brings me joy…and memories of love and gratitude…for great friends and great music. ❤️
Both (Pfizer and BioNTech) and Moderna have conclude Phase 3 Study of the Coronavirus vaccine. With the both vaccines, it takes two shots. How many people do you think will take it and how many will forget to take the second shot?
Please…I don’t know! This pandemic started off with no effective leadership against it in America…and soooo many have vaccine hesitation. Yet many of the people who won’t get vaccinated are listening to a dude THAT GOT VACCINATED!! I am vaccinated. Most of my friends and family are vaccinated. I still have two arms, two legs and ten fingers/toes. It’s wonderful we got these vaccines produced…we can hope they work and people take it. But don’t go eating fast food, processed food, a ton of sugar and corn products, and drinking soda products and then tell me you’re worried about what’s in the vaccine.
How long before the whole world will be vaccinated against the virus.
Ummm…never?
You have to remember there only has to be a 70% for Herd immunity (Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community (the herd) becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. As a result, the whole community becomes protected — not just those who are immune.)
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
I’m an artist, not a scientist.
I have many an opinion, but I don’t like to go on record talking about stuff I don’t know. It’s a pandemic…and all things pass. All things change.
During the Lockdown you have been busy. You are doing a few virtual concerts and your online Master class on vocal training. I am sure you are busy. But alone with that you were on the cover of South Florida’s Most Eligible Bachelor/Bachelorette calendar. Tell me about that day shooting for the calendar?
Yes, lockdown was as busy as you wanted it to be…!
Re: The Calendar Photoshoot….it was SO fun! Christie Grays (@SFLAFashion)- the fashion consultant and stylist for the shoot was so fun and creative!! And I always appreciate that magazine and its founder Dexter Bridgeman (@dexter.bridgeman)! I guess I’m still one of the 12 most eligible bachelorettes, however!
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies during the lockdown?
Jigsaw puzzles
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and using their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
Oooh…no fave. I don’t watch enough TV and films…but I try! SO MUCH GREAT WORK OUT THERE!!!
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on livestreamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses.
The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will includes [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only.
How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
The train has left the station…Facebook will do whatever it wants.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merchandise to them at the show?
So often fans never see their fave bands live…maybe 1,2 or 3 times if that. I don’t think COVID will distance fans that much. I believe we are, now more than ever, excited to go see our fave artists!
Is pay to play still a thing? Now pay to play also means thinks like playlist on the internet and opening slots for a major band on tour.
I’m sure. No doubt…money talks, sir.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
Go for it!
Did you know that the Grammys MusicCares can help artist? The MusiCares COVID-19 Relief has helped thousands of music industry artists and professionals during these difficult days. This is the most recipients helped, for any single event, in MusiCares’ history. The need remains great, and these unique times remain critical for music people. It has taken a community uplifting one another to get through this pandemic, and MusiCares has pulled together a list of additional organizations and resources to further support you. https://www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help/relief-resources
Absolutely I am familiar with this.
MusiCares is amazing. I have been an active Recording Academy (GRAMMY org) member since 1998, at least. I’ve also sat on the Board of the Florida Chapter. They have helped people close to me and they continue to do incredible work. Most people don’t realize that the GRAMMY organization does a lot for the industry outside of just the Awards. I appreciate you mentioning it.
What is your happy place?
Anywhere with sunshine…
Spotify just deleted 750,00 songs, mostly from independent artists. Was your saved?
😳 I hope so…
Tell me about your new single which get released on April 9th?
YES! Please check it out. It’s a totally new arrangement of the jazz classic ‘FEELING GOOD’ originally made popular by Nina Simone. A music video is on the way…
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Thank you for having me in your column…appreciate it so much!
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