Nikki Ross (singer)

Nikki Ross (born February 26, 1974) is an American gospel singer, pianist, arranger and composer from Houston, Texas.

She has worked as a vocalist and arranger for artist such as Kirk Franklin, Ricky Dillard, Harry Connick Jr., Kim Burrell, Gladys Knight, Robert Glasper, PJ Morton, Dorinda Clark Cole, Smokie Norful, Martha Munizzi, Earnest Pugh, and Shaun Martin.

As well as being an accomplished vocalist Nikki Ross is also a skilled pianist and organist. She cities Stevie Wonder as a major musical influence and like him she possesses absolute pitch. Other musical influences include Ella Fitzgerald, The Clark Sisters, and gospel music legend Bettye Ransom Nelson.

In reference to working with her on his 2007 Grammy award winning album, The Fight Of My Life, Kirk Franklin refers to Nikki as a “musical genius” in the album credits.

Grammy winning Jazz musician Harry Connick Jr. recognizes her as one of his favorite musicians.

Gospel artist Gary Mayes was quoted speaking about Ross to gospel music website GospelFlava, “She brings an unbelievable presence. She's always been compared to Kim Burrell and Karen Clark-Sheard, but Nikki is her own! She has perfect pitch and she plays keyboard when she sings. With her vocal talent, she will go somewhere totally different than what you can grasp with your physical ear. It's almost unexplainable.” [1][2][3]

References

  1. ^ {{cite a web|url=http://myhoustongospel.com/2017/02/artists-show-support-nikki-ross-recovery/%7Ctitle=Artists show support for Nikki Ross during her recovery|website=myhoustongospel.com}}
  2. ^ Clemons, Tracy (12 April 2016). "Gospel singer Kirk Franklin discusses 'Losing My Religion'". abc13.com.
  3. ^ "Nikki Ross Sunday Kinda Love Chart History". billboard.com.