EDWIN TONY NICHOLAS SPECIAL GUEST ON SENIOR NATION WITH HOST PHYLLIS AYMAN

Tonight's Special Guest is Edwin Tony Nicholas. Edwin "Tony"Nicholas is a Grammy Award-winning music producer,songwriter,and multi-instrumentalist whose smooth,soulful touch has helped shape the sound ofmodern R&B.At age eight,Tony began to receive his first musical training at Midway Baptist Church in Shreveport,Louisiana.It wasn't long before he was teaching his3 siblings the harmonies to the choir songs and writing music for his toy instruments.With the family moving to Toledo at the start of middle school,Nicholas was quickly immersed in the band culture in Toledo.It was during this period when Nicholas heard the Emotions album "Rejoice"and realized he wanted to do what MauriceWhite did:produce records.Nicholas started playing in local clubs at age 13,and working as a session bassist and keyboardist by age 14.At 17.He left to attendDenison University,where he became the drummer for the jazz band for 3 years,and the bassist for one year. Nicholas rose to prominence in the 1990s through hislongstanding collaboration with Gerald Levert.Together,they created multiple chart-topping albums,including Private Line,Love &Consequences,and theposthumous In My Songs,which earned a Grammy in 2007.

Nicholas's production and songwriting credits span an impressive roster of artists,including Joe,Freddie Jackson, Patti LaBelle,Barry White,The O'Jays,Regina Belle,The Backstreet Boys,Tamia,3LW,Teddy Pendergrass,LSG,702,and Subway.He also played a key role in launching the careers of Conya Doss and Antoine Dunn,producing the breakout single "Can't Forget."

Today, Nicholas is the owner of iBryton,a creative production company committed to elevating timeless,mature R&B.Through iBryton,he continues to work with bothemerging and veteran artists,staying true to his passion for real musicianship and authentic soul music.Nicholas has toured with Gerald Levert,Mikki Howard,Eddie Levert,Johnny Gill,Antoine Dunn,LSG,The Commodores,and the OJays.