Veronica Elaine Nunn (born October 7, 1957) is an American jazz vocalist, singer-songwriter, producer, recording artist, educator, and podcaster. Internationally recognized for her expressive vocal style and versatility, she is best known as the longtime featured vocalist with singer songwriter, artist Michael Franks. In addition to a multifaceted performance career, she is the co-founder and Acting CEO of Full Gallop Entertainment Inc. and Dead Horse Records, and is deeply involved in arts education and nonprofit leadership.

Early life and education

Nunn was born in Little Rock, Arkansas and was immersed in a variety of musical styles including gospel and jazz. Her first club performances in Little Rock was with jazz pianist Art Porter, Sr. She moved to New York City in the late 1970s to study theology at

Lehman College Lehman College is a public college in New York City, United States. Founded in 1931 as the Bronx campus of Hunter College, it became an independent college in 1967. The college is named after Herbert H. Lehman, a former New York governor, United ...

, supporting herself by singing in clubs in Harlem and Greenwich Village. In New York she was mentored by saxophonist George \"Big Nick\" Nicholas. - a key educator of John Coltrane. Saxophonist Nicholas helped her break into the city’s jazz scene.

Career

Performance and recordings

Since 1993, Nunn has been the featured vocalist for Michael Franks. She has appeared on his albums such as ''Watching the Snow'', ''Rendezvous in Rio'', and ''Time Together''. She co-founded Dead Horse Records in 1997 with her husband, jazz pianist Travis Shook. She has performed internationally and domestically with a list of artists that includes Eddie Harris, Eddie Durham, Doc Cheatum, Eddie Chamblee, Pheeroan akLaff, Don Byron, Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin (the G in GRP Records), John Pizzarelli, Jay Anderson, Jaz Sawyer, Jennifer Vincent, Sean Conly, Jacques Schwarz-Bart, James Hurt, Mark Egan, Jay Azzolina, Neil Caine, Roy Hargrove, Astrud & João Gilberto, Michael Bowie, James Carter, Oscar Neves, Rodney Kendricks, Café, Spanky Davis, Manolo Badrena, Ron McClure, Buddy Williams, Bob Cunningham, Bross Townsend, and Xavier Davis and others.

Style

Nunn’s vocal style blends traditional jazz with gospel and blues influences, emphasizing soulful phrasing and lyrical interpretation.

Podcasting and Leadership

In 2013, she launched the podcast ''Tales From the Jazz Side'', which she produces and hosts. She serves as Acting CEO of both Dead Horse Records and Full Gallop Entertainment. She is also active in nonprofit work as: * Vice Chair, Brooklyn For Peace * Board Member, Seed Artist, Inc. * Board Member, Transart, Inc.

International teaching

Nunn has been an Artist-in-Residence with the DAYA Indonesia Performing Arts Academy for over a decade, traveling to Jakarta to teach and perform. https://dayaindonesiapaacademy.id/the-faculties/

Selected discography

As leader * ''American Lullaby'' (2002) * ''Standard Delivery'' (2007) * ''The Art of Michael Franks'' (2010) With Michael Franks * ''The Music In My Head'' * ''Time Together'' * ''Watching the Snow'' * ''Rendezvous in Rio'' With Travis Shook * ''Plays Kurt Weill'' * ''Awake''

References

External links

Official siteTales From the Jazz Side PodcastDead Horse RecordsFull Gallop Entertainment, Inc.
*

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Nunn, Veronica American women singers American jazz singers Musicians from Little Rock, Arkansas Living people 1957 births Singers from New York City Singers from Arkansas Jazz musicians from New York (state) Jazz musicians from Arkansas 21st-century American women