Nicole Witt

When it comes to the art of a song, Nicole Witt is a Renaissance woman. The nationally-touring, award-winning Nashville songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is known for the soaring melodies and clever turns of phrase that have brought her national acclaim in the bluegrass, country, alt country and Christian music scenes. With a voice that’s part Adele, part Shelby Lynn and part Trisha Yearwood, she conveys a level of emotion and sincerity scarce in modern music. Whether she’s behind a piano or upfront with her guitar or fiddle, Witt delivers live performances led by that gorgeous voice, and anchored by her charm. She has released five full-length albums.
Music is in her blood. Witt’s father was a square dancer on the famed Ozark Jubliee television program. Her grandparents were both bluegrass musicians – a full-circle moment she noted when she found herself under the spotlight at the Ryman Auditorium in the fall of 2011, accepting the International Bluegrass Music Association Award for Song of the Year for Balsam Range’s version of “Trains I Missed” (Godard/Wilkins/Witt). That same month, her songs were at the forefront of country music with a cut on American Idol runner-up Lauren Alania’s Wildflower album and her “Heart of A Hero” a focal point of Steve Holy’s latest CD.
Perhaps it’s that hereditary musician wanderlust that keeps Witt on the road. Playing between 50 and 75 tour dates each year, she’s graced stages across the United States from Chicago to Key West, New York to Birmingham, including performances at NYC’s The Living Room and Gavin DeGraw’s National Underground, the Biltmore Mansion, Nashville’s Bluebird Café, World Café Live in Philadelphia and Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta. She’s opened for the Indigo Girls, and showcased at the Folk Alliance, the 30A Songwriters Festival and the Key West Songwriters Festival.
There is something striking about Nicole when she stands on a stage. Maybe it is the calm and confident way she addresses a crowd. It could be the ability to play the fiddle and piano with abandon. There’s a probability it’s the voice that leaves Nicole’s personalized stamp on each song she sings. Or it might be the songwriting that weaves emotion into an unforgettable sound. However, more than likely it’s all of the above...
Witt’s faith is a key part of her musical career. Her “Love Makes Music” tour with musical partner Christa Wells and Sixpence None the Richer drummer Dale Barker took the trio across the Southeast and Midwest in 2010. Witt and Wells also led worship at the Peacemakers Conference in Washington, D.C. and performed at the Relevant Conference in 2011. Witt and Wells partnered with SIM/USA on a 12-city Christmas tour the same year. A Mercy Ministries artist, Witt has performed in front of large congregations including Wheaton Bible in Chicago, Fellowship Bible in Nashville, and Madison Park Church of God and Anderson College Chapel in Indiana. She has been a key part of the Surprised by Life Women’s Retreat and the Image of the Maker Women’s Retreat.
Witt’s magic is the sum of her parts – she’s a grandchild of bluegrass musicians from the hills of Missouri, a devoted Christian, an in-demand songwriter, and a road-dog indie touring musician. Her passion toward and gift for the song is apparent whenever and wherever she takes the stage.
Discography
• The Rest of the Ride 2009
• Power of A Song 2009
• Trains I Missed 2010
• Love Just Happened 2010
• What Child is This? (w/Christa Wells) 2010
• Image of God (w/Christa Wells) 2011
Songs
• Lauren Alaina “Growing Her Wings” on Wildflower
• Steve Holy “Heart of A Hero” on Love Don’t Run
• George Strait “Brothers of the Highway” on Troubadour
• Rodney Adkins “Angel’s Hands” on If You’re Going Through Hell
• Ashley Gearing “Five More Minutes” (single)
• Balsam Range “Trains I Missed” on Trains I Missed (Song of the Year IBMA's)
• Walt Wilkins & The Mysterios “Trains I Missed” on Diamonds in the Sun
• Diamond Rio “The Box” Completely
• Clay Walker “It Ain’t Pretty, But It’s Beautiful” on Fall
• Collin Raye “Fearless” on Fearless
• Terri Clark “She Didn’t Have Time” on Life Goes On (single)
• Ednita Nazario “Dos Eternidados” on Soy