Who Is Nia Simmons?
Biography
Nia Simmons is proud to be one of many artists representing the talent-filled Washington DC Metropolitan Area. Born and raised in Alexandria, VA, Nia has been singing since age 3 starting in the church, then gradually moving on to local talent competitions and community events. Her vocal style is heavily rooted in Gospel, R&B, and Jazz. Artists such as Whitney Houston, Ella Fitzgerald, Karen Clark-Sheard and Ledisi are among her vast list of musical influences. She is a Howard University graduate and was an original member of the premiere Howard University vocal jazz group, Afro Blue. Nia performed with Afro Blue on two Howard University Jazz Ensemble recordings (2002 and 2003). She also recorded with gospel band, Anointed Favour, on their 2005 single "Advance the Kingdom". Her years of dedication to honing her skills has made Nia a sought-after solo artist, background vocalist, and vocal arranger. Not only has she performed as a headliner at notable venues in the DC metro area (Blues Alley, Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club, The Carlyle Club), she has also been privileged to share the stage as a background vocalist with nationally and internationally-acclaimed artists such as Regina Belle, Howard Hewett, Bobby McFerrin, Kirk Whalem, Me’lisa Morgan and Crystal Aikin. 2013 marked Nia’s debut as an independent recording artist with the release of her single, “Living for Today”, in October. The song gained her international recognition and acclaim, including position in the top 15 of the UK Soul Chart. Her follow-up single, “Used to You”, was released in February 2014 to rave reviews worldwide peaking at #11 on the UK Soul Chart and also ranked in the UK Soul Chart's Top 100 of 2014. In 2015, Nia was recognized amongst her peers for artistic excellence receiving a Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award grant in Non-Classical Music: Solo Performance. Her accomplishments further increased the anticipation for her debut album titled, “A Songbird’s Journey”, released in August 2015 (Peaked at #13 on the UK Soul Chart). The album (and/or songs from it) gained her recognition on music websites such as SoulTracks, Breaking Artists, and Sonic Soul Reviews, and it was considered for a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album. It also opened the door for her to perform on the 2015 MusicConnex Soul City European Tour at notable venues in the Netherlands (Sugar Factory and De Boerderij) and the United Kingdom (Band on the Wall, Hare and Hounds, and Jazz Café). Her 2016 collaboration with international producer Tom Glide on the single "My Time (Shine)" earned Nia her first #1 ranking on the UK Soul Chart. In the years since her solo recording debut, Nia has continued to stay in the ears of music lovers worldwide through collaborations with other recording artists such as Bey Bright, Marc Staggers, Regi Myrix, and Christian de Mesones. She continues to shine on stage as well, having been invited to be the opening act for Regina Belle at her Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club concert in December 2018. Nia is excited to bring new music to her fans, starting with a new single titled “Feeling Fine” being released in September 2022. This songbird's soulful delivery and silky, smooth vocals will catch your ear and move your spirit.