Nikki Leonti

Nikki Leonti
Born (1981-08-20) 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. They later discovered the marriage was never legally documented. In 2004, she married Aaron Dame, giving birth to their son, Jordan Cole, in 2004. Nikki married Ryan Edgar, Texas singer/songwriter, on November 6, 2014. Ryan Edgar and Nikki had a daughter, Frankie Edgar, in 2015. In 2015, Ryan Gingerich signed over parental right of Jaslyn Taylee. Ryan Edgar Adopted Jaslyn, and she is now Jaslyn Edgar. [2]

Discography

Appearances on other recordings

Filmography

References

  1. 1 2 "Soul Mates". LA Times Magazine. 2011-04-28. Retrieved 2011-12-15.
  2. 1 2 3 "Nikki Leonti Biography". TodaysChristianMusic.com. Retrieved 2011-12-15.
  3. ↑ "Nikki Leonti Music News & Info". Billboard.com. 1998-10-03. Retrieved 2011-12-15.
  4. ↑ "10 new artists to watch in 2010". Nypost.com. Archived from the original on December 2, 2011. Retrieved 2011-12-15.
  5. ↑ "10 Artists to Know in 2011: New Music Musts". Nypost.com. Archived from the original on December 4, 2011. Retrieved 2011-12-15.

External links

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