Veronica Nunn

Veronica Elaine Nunn (born 7 October 1957; Little Rock, Arkansas) is an American jazz vocalist, singer-songwriter, producer, and educator known for her rich, expressive vocal warmth and command of the Great American Songbook.

Best recognised internationally as the featured vocalist for jazz icon Michael Franks, with whom she has toured and recorded for over three decades, Nunn has also established a formidable career as a solo artist and industry executive. She is the co-founder and Acting CEO of Dead Horse Records and Full Gallop Entertainment, platforms through which she champions independent jazz production.

Early Life

Born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, Nunn was immersed in a diverse musical environment that spanned gospel and jazz. Her initial foray into professional performance occurred in her hometown clubs alongside jazz pianist Art Porter, Sr. In the late 1970s, she relocated to New York City to pursue academic studies, enrolling at Lehman College in the Bronx to study theology.

To support her education, she began singing in nightclubs across Harlem and Greenwich Village, where she encountered the legendary saxophonist George "Big Nick" Nicholas. Renowned for his role in mentoring John Coltrane, Nicholas took Nunn under his wing, facilitating her entry into the upper echelons of the city's competitive jazz circuit.

Career

Nunn’s career reached a major turning point in 1993 when she became the featured vocalist for Michael Franks, a role she has held ever since. Her vocals are featured on several of his acclaimed albums, including Watching the Snow, Rendezvous in Rio, and Time Together.

In 1997, she expanded her professional portfolio by co-founding Dead Horse Records with her husband, pianist Travis Shook. As a leader, she has released noted projects on the label, including American Lullaby (2002), Standard Delivery (2007), and the tribute album The Art of Michael Franks (2010).

Her collaborative history is extensive, featuring performances with luminaries such as Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, Roy Hargrove, and Astrud & João Gilberto. Her vocal prowess was highlighted by PopMatters in a review comparing her to her longtime collaborator, noting that in terms of pure vocal power, "Franks is outsung by a mile in most respects," while praising her ability to imbue songs with deep soul influences.

Personal Life

Nunn has been married to jazz pianist Travis Shook since 1997; the couple’s creative partnership extends to their business ventures in Woodstock, New York. Her vocal style is frequently described as a blend of traditional jazz discipline with the emotional resonance of gospel and blues, emphasising lyrical storytelling. Beyond the stage, she is dedicated to arts advocacy, serving as a board member for non-profits Seed Artist, Inc. and Transart, Inc.

Current Activities

As of late 2026, Veronica Nunn remains highly active in both performance and media production. She continues to serve as the Acting CEO of Dead Horse Records and Full Gallop Entertainment. In the podcasting sphere, she hosts Tales From the Jazz Side, which she launched in 2013, and co-hosts The And of One with Michael Franks, a project that launched in February 2026 to archive their life in music. Additionally, she maintains her role as an Artist-in-Residence with the DAYA Indonesia Performing Arts Academy in Jakarta, where she regularly travels to teach and perform.