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MICHELLE
NIXON
Lead Vocals
Michelle
Nixon is no stranger to the stage when it comes to soulful
singing. Born Michelle Denice Thurston the Virginia native
grew up surrounded by music. At an early age she began singing
in church and hasn't stopped since.
Nixon
joined her first band at the age of 14, embarking on a musical
journey that found her singing a variety of gospel and classic
country music with different Virginia-based bands. Gathering
inspiration and style from, among others, Loretta Lynn and
Emmylou Harris, Nixon quickly developed her own powerful sound.
In
1990 and 1991 Nixon won Female Vocalist of Virginia. In 1992
Nixon was invited to cut some harmony vocals on bluegrass
artist/songwriter Malcolm Pulley's, then, latest project;
this led to Nixon's love of bluegrass music. Through the work
on Pulley's project, Nixon met her good friend and former
band mate Vernon Hughes and quickly made her home in the wonderful
world of bluegrass.
In
the late '90s Nixon began focusing on her love of writing
songs, three of which appear on her breakout bluegrass album
"It's My Turn"
(released in 2003). Nixon also began focusing on her instrumentation
skills, playing a variety of instruments including piano and
upright bass.
In
2002 Nixon formed her first band "Drive" and set out to make
a lasting impression on the bluegrass world. In 2006, Michelle won the FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR (Traditional) award at the Society
for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA) convention. Later that year, Michelle was pleased to be a part of the Daughters of Bluegrass album, Back to the Well that features some of the top female talents in bluegrass music today. The album won the prestigious 2006 International Bluegrass Music Association's RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR award. Not only did Michelle provide her vocal talents on the project, but also co-wrote the song, Grass Angels. The album also includes the break-out hit, "How's It Feel," written by Tom T. and Dixie Hall featuring Jeanette Williams and Michelle.
Nixon's
love of music pales only in comparison to her love of God
and family. Raised in a Christian home, Nixon developed a
strong faith and to this day finds both peace and strength
in God and His creation. Whenever graced with a window of
opportunity, Nixon opens it and takes to the outdoors. She
lists camping, fishing and gardening among her favorite things
to do.
Nixon
does very well to juggle her blossoming tour schedule and
her busy family life. Her husband Nick Nixon (country performer/songwriter)
and three children, Tia, Chip and Trace, all play a major
part in Nixon's continued success.
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