Bobby Nicholas
Bobby Nicholas has a vast range of musical experiences that began at a young age in Toronto, Ontario. From solo television performances such as Much Music and the Tommy Hunter Show, to traveling the country in various groups and duos. He honed his skills as a singer/songwriter as well as a sideman.
After moving to Nashville in 1997, Bobby began working as a utility musician and backup singer for several major recording artists. His first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry and at The Ryman Auditorium was while on tour with Patty Loveless. Nicholas played acoustic guitar and mandolin as well as singing harmony with Loveless. They toured across North America playing various venues and famed shows including Austin City Limits, Mountain Stage and Live at The Birchmere. He also made appearances on the Opry playing banjo, mandolin, guitar, harmonica and singing back up while on tour with Terri Clark.
Some of the highlights of Bobby's time in Nashville include playing guitar and singing harmony with The Osborne Brothers on the Grand Ole Opry on occasions when their guitar player/singer was unavailable. Nicholas was also a regular Sideman at The Station Inn and has had the honour of playing on stage with many musical icons of various genres. From singing “Paradise” with John Prine to being accompanied on mandolin by John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, from singing “Lady” with the Little River Band to singing “Lonesome River” with Vince Gill, from a duet of the Redwood Hill with Vassar Clements to a tour of Asia playing bass, from playing roots and bluegrass in Europe with Jimmy Bowen to song writing and recording sessions in Nashville, his time away was a plethora of musical adventures to say the least.
However, Nicholas cites the greatest highlight of all was meeting and falling in love with his wife Amber-Dawn. “While travelling to gain experience and see the world, my heart was, is, and always will be in Toronto Ontario,” Nicholas says, and those who know him best know he was always pining for home. Unable to leave, as Amber-Dawn was ultimately signed to a record deal with Sony/Nashville, it wasn't until after her band left the label and disbanded that the opportunity came for Bobby and AD to come home and raise the family they dreamed of. The couple formed an original roots music duo called BAD Nicholas and still play as BAD Nicholas from time to time, but the most important duo in their lives are their twin daughters Emily and Olivia. Now teaming up with wonderful musician/songwriter and dear friend of 30 plus years, Carl Goodman, Bobby and Amber-Dawn are very proud to be a part of the roots musical group Big John.
"Here's to many years of fun and musical creativity from the heart!"