Nick's Musical Journey

By Nick

My name is Robert Kelly Nicholas Hill, but I have always gone by Nick to keep it simple. Keeping things simple has always been my creed.

When I was 8 years old my parents divorced, which forced my mom, my sister, and myself to move into Section 8 apartments in Clanton, AL.

I remember hanging out on the balcony of our apartment building when I was 10, listening to Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Four Tops, and many more artists being played from inside the other apartments. Many days, people would sit outside there doors all day, talking with each other and listening to music. When my friends would ask me play, I sometimes said that I couldn't because I wanted to hang out with the 'old folks' and listen to the music.

I started playing guitar after my cousin showed me a few chords on his acoustic. I was 17. I bought my first guitar at "The Fantasy Mall" in Clanton and sat in my room playing the only three chords I knew till my fingers bled. I have never had any formal training on guitar or vocals, which sometimes can be a thorn in my side.

The first song that I learned on the guitar was "Sweet Home Alabama." I started singing in church when I was 18 and quickly realized that I had alot to sing about! Guess sitting with the 'old folks' paid off a little!

I have been performing in Birmingham for about two months now, going to every open mic that I can and even getting some of my own gigs. I have met some very incredible people in doing so and only hope to continue to learn and grow to reach my potential. My favorite place to go is Ona's Music Room. There I feel at home for some reason. I don't even know Ona that well, but he seems to like me a lot. He says I am his protegee.

I have tried out for talent shows including American Idol (three times) and America's Got Talent (once) without getting to the big stage. But I try to learn from every experience. I satrted writing my own music last year. Since then, I believe that I have found something that gives meaning to my life. I believe through my music I am kinda telling my story, if that makes sense.

My favorite people: Jesus Christ, John Lennon, Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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