Veronica Nunn
Veronica Nunn | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Veronica Elaine Nunn |
| Born | October 7, 1957 Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
| Labels | Dead Horse |
| Associated acts | Michael Franks |
| Website | veronicanunn |
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, supporting herself by singing in clubs in Harlem and Greenwich Village.[1] In New York, she was mentored by saxophonist George \"Big Nick\" Nicholas.[1] - 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.[2] 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.[3]
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.[4]
Podcasting and Leadership
In 2013, she launched the podcast Tales From the Jazz Side, which she produces and hosts.[5]
In 2026, she assisted in the launch of Michael Franks' Podcast "The And of One", which she produces and co-hosts with singer-songwriter Michael Franks.
She serves as Acting CEO of both Dead Horse Records and Full Gallop Entertainment. She is also active in nonprofit work as:
- Board Member, Seed Artist, Inc.
- Board Member, Transart, Inc.
And served for 18 years as Vice Chair of Brooklyn For Peace. Stepping down 2024.
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[6]
- 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
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Biography". Retrieved 2025-06-12.
- ↑ "Discography". Retrieved 2025-06-12.
- ↑ "Dead Horse Records". Retrieved 2025-06-12.
- ↑ "Biography". Retrieved 2025-06-12.
- ↑ "Tales From the Jazz Side". Retrieved 2025-06-12.
- ↑ Henderson, Alex. "Veronica Nunn Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved 22 July 2026.
External links
- Official site
- Tales From the Jazz Side Podcast
- Dead Horse Records
- Full Gallop Entertainment, Inc.
- AllMusic
- NPR Piano Jazz
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