Nicole Henry

Nicole Henry is recognized as a leading jazz vocalist, known for her technical skill and emotional depth. Since her debut, Henry has established herself among the jazz world's most acclaimed performers, noted for her dynamic vocal abilities, precise phrasing, and expressive interpretations. Her work has been covered by The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Japan Times, El Pais, Jazz Times, and Essence. Henry interprets repertoire from the American Songbook, classic and contemporary jazz, popular standards, blues, and original compositions. Critics have compared her to prominent voices in music, with the Miami Herald describing her as a blend of Whitney Houston and Sarah Vaughan.

After graduating from the University of Miami with a degree in communications and theater, Henry began her career in acting, appearing in national commercials and voiceover roles. She discovered jazz while performing in Miami Beach, when bassist Paul Shewchuk invited her to join his trio. The experience led her to focus on jazz as her primary musical direction. Henry gained national attention with her debut album, "The Nearness of You," released on Banister Records. The album earned her the Best New Jazz Artist award and launched a career that includes four Top 10 albums and a Soul Train Award for Best Traditional Jazz Performance.

Henry's discography demonstrates her range and commercial appeal. Her album "Teach Me Tonight" reached No. 1 in Japan and was named HMV Japan's Best Vocal Jazz Album. "The Very Thought of You" reached No. 7 on the Billboard jazz chart. Her release "Embraceable" reached the Top 20 on U.S. Jazz and Smooth Jazz Radio Charts and featured collaborations with Kirk Whalum, Gerald Clayton, John Stoddart, Julian Lage, Gil Goldstein, Larry Grenadier, and Eric Harland. "Time to Love Again" spent nine weeks in the Top 10 on U.S. JazzWeek radio, peaking at No. 4, and reached No. 6 on the Sweet Rhythms Chart in the UK. The album features an eclectic mix of jazz standards and reimagined pop songs and is her eighth career album and fourth to reach the Top 10.

Henry has performed in more than 20 countries, headlining venues in cities such as New York, Tokyo, Madrid, Moscow, Paris, Shanghai, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, and Miami. She has appeared at over 30 music festivals worldwide and performed at venues including Blue Note, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Blues Alley, Arsht Center, Feinstein's, Green Mill, Jazz St. Louis, the Madrid Jazz Festival, the Regattabar, and Catalina Jazz. Henry has recorded with musicians such as Kirk Whalum, Julian Lage, Gerald Clayton, and Gil Goldstein, and has performed with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra, Pasadena POPS, and Michael Feinstein. She also returned to the stage in the musical adaptation of "The Bodyguard."

Among her honors, Henry has received a Soul Train Award for Best Traditional Jazz Performance, Best New Jazz Artist by HMV Japan, Best Solo Musician by Miami New Times, and was recognized by Symphonic Distribution as one of eight Black artists making waves. BroadwayWorld Miami named her Vocalist of the Decade. Offstage, Henry supports organizations such as the Miami Music Project and Miami Children's Initiative, and has served two terms on the board of the Florida Chapter of the Recording Academy. Her contributions have been recognized by the City of Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County with proclamations of Nicole Henry Days.