Biography:

Internationally-known Jazz Guitarist, Teacher and Mentor, Nick Colionne of Chicago, Illinois passed away on January 1, 2022. Nick achieved contemporary jazz stardom in the early 2000s, and, since that time has been one of the genre’s most dynamic and tireless live performers. Nick was known for his wit, charisma and incredible sense of style. Nick performed at major music festivals and in other top venues both in the United States and abroad, as well as headlining on smooth jazz cruises. As a teen, Nick honed his skills performing with The Staples Singers, The Impressions, Curtis Mayfield and Natalie Cole.

Over the course of his career, Nick released 11 albums, scoring 8 #1 Billboard Hits and 17 Top Ten Billboard Hits. Nick had the distinct achievement of being the only artist in the history of the contemporary jazz genre to score 5 #1 hits from a single album.

Nick was loved for his compassion and caring nature; he considered his fans, friends, fellow musicians and artists as his extended family. When not touring or composing, fishing was his favorite pastime.
Nick received numerous honors including The Wave’s International Instrumental Artist of the Year Award and the 2010 American Smooth Jazz Awards Wayman Tisdale Humanitarian Award for his ongoing commitment to mentoring youth and his work in the community and nationally in support of breast cancer causes. He also received the 1996 Malcolm X College Alumnus of the Year Award, having earned his degree there in music. Nick devoted much of his spare time over the past 25 years to mentoring students at St. Laurence K-8 School in Elgin, Illinois. His roles included counseling, teaching music, computer music skills and guitar, and assisting with talent shows and holiday pageants.

Nick’s legacy will live on in his music and the life lessons he taught us.

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