Nikki Leonti
| Nikki Leonti | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 20, 1981 |
| Origin | California, United States |
| Genres | Contemporary Christian, urban, R&B |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instruments | Voice |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Labels | Pamplin, Reprise |
| Associated acts | Carrie Underwood |
Nikki Leonti (born August 20, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, and half of the group, Nikki & Rich. Prior to her work in urban, R&B, and electronic dance music, Leonti recorded contemporary Christian music albums.
Music career
Nikki Leonti began singing at age seven, as a choir soloist in the Corona, California, Calvary Southern Baptist Church, pastored by her father, Greg Leonti.[1] The choir additionally included her three siblings. At age 13, she made her first recording on a small local label.[2]
Professional background
In 1998, Leonti recorded her debut full-length album, Shelter Me, which reached No. 179 on the Billboard 200, and No. 7 on the Contemporary Christian chart.[3] Her second album, Nikki Leonti was released in 2001. Both were produced by brothers Dino and John Elefante, and issued on the independent Christian label, Pamplin. She retired from the Christian music industry not long after.
In 2006, Leonti was hired as a back-up singer for Carrie Underwood, performing on tour and on various television shows. Leaving later that same year, Leonti began working with Rich Velonskis, forming the R&B group, Nikki & Rich.[2] Velonskis, also known as Rich Skillz, producer of various artists, including Ludacris, Lil' Kim, and Robin Thicke.[1] Nikki & Rich released their debut album, entitled Greatest Hits, on September 27, 2011, issued on the Reprise Records/Born Rich label. The duo has performed live on Ellen and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Together, they were named as one of the New York Post's "10 New Artists to Watch in 2010"[4] and "10 Artists to Know in 2011".[5]
Personal life
Leonti was married in 1999 to Ryan Gingerich, lead guitarist of the Christian band, Scarecrow & Tinmen. They divorced in 2002, having become the parents of one daughter, Jaslyn Taylee, born in 2000. In 2004, she married Aaron Dame, giving birth to their son, Jordan Cole, in 2004. According to her twitter Nikki married Ryan Edgar on November 6, 2014. [2]
Discography
- 1996: Reach the World (Two Records)
- 1998: Shelter Me (Pamplin)
- 2000: Postcard From Mixaco: A Dance Re-MIX Fiesta (Pamplin)
- 2001: Nikki Leonti (Pamplin)
- 2011: Greatest Hits... (with Nikki & Rich) (Born Rich Inc)
Appearances on other recordings
- 2000: Apocalypse III: Tribulation Soundtrack, vocals on "Everlasting Place"
- 2002: Left Behind 2: Urban Hip-Hop; "Everytime"
- 2004: Rachael Lampa Rachael Lampa (background vocals)
- 2005: Awaken Natalie Grant (background vocals)
- 2006: Time Again: Amy Grant Live All Access (background vocals)
- 2008: Get on Board Eric Bibb (background vocals, handclapping)
- 2009: Sex Therapy: The Session Robin Thicke; co-writer on "Make you love me"
- 2010: Killers Soundtrack (writer: "Cat and Mouse")
- 2012: Glee: The Music - Season 4, Vol. 1, vocals
- 2012: Cee Lo's Magic Moment, vocals on "All you need is Love"
- 2012: Teen Beach Movie SongWriter: "Cruisin for a Bruisin" "Coolest Cats in Town"
- 2013: Heart Attack (Demi Lovato song) Background vocals
- 2014: Glee (season 5) vocals
- 2014: The Little Rascals Save the Day (video), vocals on "My Friend", "Time For Run"
- 2014: Penguins of Madagascar soundtrack "real chill christmas"
Filmography
- 2012: Californication; episode: "I'll Lay My Monsters Down"
- 2014: Eternity: The Movie
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Soul Mates". LA Times Magazine. 2011-04-28. Retrieved 2011-12-15.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Nikki Leonti Biography". TodaysChristianMusic.com. Retrieved 2011-12-15.
- ↑ "Nikki Leonti Music News & Info". Billboard.com. 1998-10-03. Retrieved 2011-12-15.
- ↑ "10 new artists to watch in 2010". Nypost.com. Retrieved 2011-12-15.
- ↑ "10 Artists to Know in 2011: New Music Musts". Nypost.com. Retrieved 2011-12-15.