NELLIE " TIGER " TRAVIS
Destiny chose Nellie “Tiger” Travis to sing the blues. Born deep in the delta of Mississippi in the early 60’s in a typical small town, where church cultural focal point, Nellie grew up singing gospel music. What a journey it has been!
In November 2009 Nellie was crowned the New Queen Of The Blues for Chicago by Bluesman and WVON radio personality Purvis Spann, who previously had bestowed that honor on Ms. KoKo Taylor. KoKo was a mentor and friend to Nellie, and when she passed in early 2009 Nellie used her songwriting skills to write and record a tribute to her friend entitled “KoKo” (Queen Of The Blues). This soulful tune was also performed and used to eulogize Koko as part of her last rites and is on Nellie’s I’m Goin’ Out Tonight album.
She fronts one of the tightest Chicago Blues bands found anywhere in the world, comprised of the best musicians from Chicago’s Blues scene, and her shows in the city are packed, rollicking parties. Nellie Travis has headlined at the Chicago Blues Festival and at festivals and clubs around the world. From Japan, Greece, Italy, Germany, Brazil, all the way back to her home in Mississippi, Nellie knocks out audiences with her powerful vocals and irresistible stage charisma. She’s a permanent headlining personality at Chicago’s most successful blues clubs, The Kingston Mines, Buddy Guy’s Legends and Blue Chicago where she continues to pack them in.
She has shared the stage with such legendary greats as Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Koko Taylor, Gladys Knight, and Ronnie Baker Brooks just to name a few. Her influences are powerful performers like Big Mama Thornton, KoKo Taylor (of course) and Etta James. The nickname Tiger was born after Nellie came to Chicago. Her cousin came up with “Tiger,” which aptly describes her intense, feline vocal style as well as her feisty, independent personality.
Nellie Tiger Travis is a worldwide touring headliner. Reach out today to bring her to your town!
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