MICHELLE NIXON & DRIVE
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Michelle Nixon
SPBGMA Female Vocalist of the Year
VFMA Female Vocalist of the Year
2 Time IBMA Winner for Recorded Event of the Year
Michelle Nixon & Drive
Michelle Nixon & Drive have received over 30 nominations with SPBGMA & IBMA
MICHELLE NIXON & DRIVE - BIO
Michelle Nixon & Drive, an energetic group based out of the Virginia’s capitol region,
incorporates the classic sound of yesterday’s country with the contemporary sound of
today’s bluegrass. Their classy styling along with their innate talents place this group
into a league of their own. Nixon and Drive have played across the United States
planting their bluegrass and growing fans with every festival, concert and play through
stop along the way. Proof of their great fan support, 2007/08 Michelle & Drive received
9 nominations from the Society of Bluegrass Music Association: “Entertainer of the Year,
Female Vocalist, Over All Bluegrass Band, Bass Player of the Year, Vocal Group of the
Year, Guitar Player, Mandolin Player, Banjo Player as well as Michelle was part of the
Daughters of Bluegrass who dawned 2 nominations at SPBGMA and they won the IBMA
Recorded Event of the Year 2006 & 2008. Michelle is a former “Female Vocalist of the
Year for SPBGMA 05/06”. The list of accolades continues to grow for this wonderful
group!!
The title of the group’s current project, WHAT MORE SHOULD i SAY? speaks as a
personal message from the members of this vibrant group, all of whom share the desire
to impart the music they have in their heart, a desire that is truly expressed in the
band’s name – DRIVE! A new release is scheduled for 2011!
Their stage presence is also a true conveyance of DRIVE! Michelle Nixon, with her
soulful lead and harmony vocals, heads up the troops, adding her songwriting, great
entertaining and business skills to the group dynamics. Nick Nixon, is a truly talented
singer/songwriter and it is hard to beat the husband wife connection on stage!
Songwriter, Patrick Robertson lends great guitar and vocals making this trio undeniably
one of the top groups in the industry. Johnathan Dillon is amazing on the mandolin, Tim
Newcomb rolls on the banjo & Mike Sharp is excellent on the dobro. The beat is never a
problem with John Wade playing the bass, giving Drive just that, UNDENIABLE DRIVE!
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MICHELLE NIXON & DRIVE
This group provides a blend of traditional, gospel, original, contemporary bluegrass and
classic country music. The group mesmerizes their audiences with intense
instrumentation and vivacious vocals. Receiving standing ovations and encores each
show. Leaving you wanting more! There’s no doubt, Michelle Nixon & Drive are
working hard and loving every minute of it!
MICHELLE NIXON - lead vocals, guitar
Michelle Nixon is no stranger to the stage when it comes to soulful singing. Born
Michelle Denice Thurston the Virginia native grew up surrounded by music. At an early
age she began singing in church and hasn't stopped since.
Nixon joined her first band at the age of 14, embarking on a musical journey that found
her singing a variety of gospel and classic country music with different Virginia-based
bands. Gathering inspiration and style from, among others, Loretta Lynn and Emmylou
Harris, Nixon quickly developed her own powerful sound.
In 1990 and 1991 Nixon won THE VIRIGINIA FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR awards. In
1992 Nixon was invited to cut some harmony vocals on bluegrass artist/songwriter
Malcolm Pulley's, then, latest project; this led to Nixon's love of bluegrass music.
Through the work on Pulley's project, Nixon met her good friend and former band mate
Vernon Hughes and quickly made her home in the wonderful world of bluegrass.
In the late '90s Nixon began focusing on her love of writing songs, three of which appear
on her breakout bluegrass album IT'S MY TURN (released in 2003 on Pinecastle
Records). Nixon also began focusing on her instrumentation skills, playing a variety of
instruments including piano and upright bass.
In 2002 Nixon formed her first band "Drive" and set out to make a lasting impression on
the bluegrass world. In 2006, Michelle won the FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
(Traditional) award at the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America
(SPBGMA) convention. Later that year, Michelle was pleased to be a part of the
Daughters of Bluegrass album, BACK TO THE WELL that featured some of the top female
talents in bluegrass music today. The album won the prestigious 2006 International
Bluegrass Music Association's RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR award. Not only did
Michelle provide her vocal talents on the project, but also co-wrote the song, Grass
Angels. The album also includes the break-out hit, "How's It Feel," written by Tom T. and
Dixie Hall featuring Jeanette Williams and Michelle. In 2009, the IBMA Recorded Event
of the Year award was changed to "songs" instead of the album awards, and The
Daughters of Bluegrass took home the 2009 IBMA RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR
AWARD for the song, "Proud to the a Daughter" from their album, BLUEGRASS
BOUQUET.
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MICHELLE NIXON & DRIVE
Nixon's love of music pales only in comparison to her love of God and family. Raised in a
Christian home, Nixon developed a strong faith and to this day finds both peace and
strength in God and His creation. Whenever graced with a window of opportunity, Nixon
opens it and takes to the outdoors. She lists camping, fishing and gardening among her
favorite things to do.
Nixon does very well to juggle her blossoming tour schedule and her busy family life.
Her husband Nick Nixon (country performer/songwriter) and three children, Tia, Chip
and Trace, all play a major part in Nixon's continued success.
In 2011, Michelle is back with the band's brand new album release on Mountain Fever
Records.
NICK NIXON - vocals and guitar
Nick fell in love with playing & singing country music at the ripe age of 12. After his
grandfather gave him his first guitar & he started listening to the country greats, he was
destined to be a performer! Cutting his teeth singing in church & playing local venues he
then met Michelle and they have been singing together since! Their brand of harmony is
only achieved by blood or love. Nixon is quite the songwriter, which will be obvious on
the new project to be released this year. His smooth vocals & ability to connect with the
audience makes him a viable part of this group!
PATRICK ROBERTSON - guitar and vocals
Patrick's interest in bluegrass music began early in life when he started playing guitar
around the age of 11. His Dad, Jimmy Robertson, his oldest brother, Lane, and bands
such as J.D. Crowe and the New South, Tony Rice, Ricky Skaggs, Doyle Lawson &
Quicksilver and the Bluegrass Album Band, inspired him. Patrick’s talent does not stop
with picking & singing! He is a great songwriter also. Be sure to listen for his originals on
the last project “What More Should I Say” by Michelle Nixon & Drive. He has now been
with Michelle & Drive for 6 years!
TIM NEWCOMB - banjo
Tim’s interest in bluegrass began at age 15, when he had the opportunity to “ride the
bus” and tour with the popular group Appalachian Express. It was during this time he
learned a great deal about the music business and developed an interest in the 5 string
banjo. Tim is known for his strong right hand and sense of timing. He has played in and
recorded with several local bands around the Richmond, Virginia area including George
Thomas and Friends, Legacy & Mill Run. When not playing music Tim enjoys spending
time with his wife Patty and son Brandon.
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MICHELLE NIXON & DRIVE
MIKE SHARP - Dobro
Sharp was raised in Hanover County VA. Both his parents played guitar and often had
players over to their home for “jams” instilling Mike with the love of music! By the age
of 10 Mike had learned to play the guitar and at 14 yrs. old he borrowed a dobro and
immediately knew this would be his instrument of choice. Sharp has played & recorded
with several local & national groups, Local Exchange, Mill Run, The Fox Family to name a
few. Mike also won the Virginia State Dobro Championship & enjoyed being part of
national number 1 hit with the Fox Family. His early influences were the late Josh
Graves, Seldom Scene, Jerry Douglas & many more. Mike is now a Goochland County
resident where he lives with his wife Sharon.
JOHNATHAN DILLON - mandolin
Dillon is 16 years old from Wirtz, Virginia and has been playing the mandolin since he
was 8 years old. He then learned the banjo, guitar & bass at 9. He is nothing short of
amazing! He set high goals for himself as a very young man and has been achieving
them rapidly! Johnathan won the 2008 Reno Fest Banjo competition and was the 2010
Merle Fest Banjo Player of the year!! Before joining Michelle Nixon & Drive this year he
has preformed with his own band since the age of 10. Nixon is glad to have this talented
young artist part of the group!
Watch this boy play!!!
Tracy Burcham - bass guitar
Tracy Burcham is a native of Fries, VA where he currently resides with his lovely wife
and two daughters. After growing up listening to ANYTHING but bluegrass (KISS, for
example), Tracy finally saw the light and fell in love with bluegrass as a senior in high
school. His first bluegrass gig was with a local band, Foxfire Unlimited, with whom he
celebrated a 1st place win in the 1998 bluegrass band competition at the Galax Fiddler's
Convention; Over the next few years, Tracy did fill in work and/or recorded with Johnny
and Jeanette Williams, Windy Ridge, After Five, New Vintage, and Kenny and Amanda
Smith. In 1998, Tracy co-founded the group, Savannah Road. He has since done fill in
work with various acts such as Gena Britt, Heather Berry, and even Michelle Nixon &
Drive! In 2008 and 2009, Tracy celebrated two more first place wins at the Galax
Fiddler's Convention with the group 2nd Circle. Tracy's hobbies include fishing, golf, and
cheering on his beloved Virginia Tech Hokies any time they take the field or court. Tracy
is thankful and humbled each day to reflect on the many blessings from God in his life,
one of which is the opportunity to play music and be associated with the great friends
and musicians that make up Michelle Nixon & Drive.
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