Johnny Nicholas has spent a lifetime soaking up the flavor of, and participating in such vibrant and varied music scenes as Chicago, Southwest Louisiana and Texas (Johnny’s home for more than 40 years). His repertoire of predominantly original compositions is full-spectrum Americana — a rich gumbo of his own unique interpretations and influences of traditional blues, cajun, swing and honky-tonk.

Drawing on all of the above, Nicholas’ Fresh Air was acclaimed by Downbeat Magazine in their “Best Album Releases of 2017” list. It is a highly satisfying collection of songs and stories establishing him as a modern troubadour to be reckoned with.

His roots music pedigree is long, deep and rich. He has performed, toured and recorded with a broad spectrum “who’s who” of American music legends such as Bonnie Rait, Big Walter Horton, Nathan Abshire, Geoff Muldaur, Asleep At the Wheel, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jim Kweskin, Snooky Pryor and Johnny Shines just to name a few.

An eclectic mix of artists to be sure, but this man slides effortlessly between all of the various folk music genres these artists represent with aplomb and finesse.

“He’s someone who cares about being real, and the hell with everything else,” raved the esteemed writer Bill Bentley in one early review. “These new recordings feel like someone finding their way to the top of the mountain where everything they touch turns true.”

His 2018 release “Too Many Bad Habits” limited edition reissue package box set was nominated for a 2019 Grammy award.