She worked as a vocalist and arranger for artists such as Kirk Franklin, Ricky Dillard, Harry Connick, Jr., Kim Burrell, Gladys Knight, Robert Glasper, PJ Morton, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Smokie Norful, Martha Munizzi, Earnest Pugh, and Shaun Martin.

As well as being an accomplished vocalist, Ross was also a skilled pianist and organist. She cited Stevie Wonder as a major musical influence. Other musical influences included Ella Fitzgerald, The Clark Sisters, and gospel music legend Bettye Ransom Nelson.

In reference to working with her on his 2007 Grammy award winning album, The Fight Of My Life, Kirk Franklin referred to Ross as a “musical genius” in the album credits. Connick, Jr. recognized her as one of his favorite musicians.

Gospel artist Gary Mayes was quoted speaking about Ross to gospel music website GospelFlava, “She brings an unbelievable presence. She’s always been compared to Kim Burrell and Karen Clark-Sheard, but Nikki is her own! She has perfect pitch and she plays keyboard when she sings. With her vocal talent, she will go somewhere totally different than what you can grasp with your physical ear. It’s almost unexplainable.”[1][2][3]

Death

Ross died on August 14, 2026 at the age of 54.[4]