Patti Nicoletti Johnson Is a singer/songwriter/musician from Joplin, Missouri. Patti became an accomplished musician at an early age, beginning accordion lessons at the age of 5 with the encouragement of her Italian father, Louie Nicoletti. At age 7, she began publicly performing in an accordion duet, with her sister Luann. They performed as The Nicoletti Sisters. The Nicoletti Sisters were well known in the Columbus, Kansas area, performing at County Fairs, Homecoming events and local talent contests. Patti continued accordion study until the age of 15. She began vocal training at age 9 and performed with a four -part harmony quartet for 3 years. By the time she was 13, her vocal instructor realized that she was ready for another level of training.
She began classical training in voice, under the leadership of Dr. Margaret Theuneman at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas. She continued training in Italian opera until age 16.
While in Elemetary School, Patti became a percussionist, playing with her school band. Continuing her pursuit of music, during high school, Patti became self taught in piano, string bass and guitar. Patti taught herself to play string bass, when she discovered that the high school jazz band needed a string bass player. She performed 2 years with the Columbus Unified High School Jazz Band under the direction of Jim Holman. During this time, Patti’s exposure to jazz brought a new realm to her performance ability. Mr. Holman was a very advanced High School Band Director, who realized the importance of providing unique opportunities for his students. The CUHS jazz band performed with The Woody Herman Orchestra and The Clark Terry Band. Patti was chosen to perform string bass on 2 songs with The Clark Terry Band at a concert in Independence, KS.
When the time came for college, Patti was torn between a career in music and a career in Nursing. She realized she could always have her music, so she became a Nursing major at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas while continuing her passion for performance. During her years at Pittsburg State, she performed in an acoustic guitar duo with Mr. Robert Diskin. They performed at campus events, weddings and other venues.
After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Patti’s focus changed. “Years ago, I had dreams of performing and recording an album, but I chose a different path………career as a Registered Nurse, marriage, children. I have no regrets. But now, more than thirty years later, it’s time to realize the dream”. Patti released her first CD, “Time Has A Way, on May 20, 2011 in Joplin, Missouri. The release party was a celebration of a dream realized. Ironically, on May 22, 2011, the majority of the CD’s were lost, with her home, in the Joplin, Missouri tornado. But she still has not given up on her dream.
After a period of time to regroup from the tornado, Patti became interested in songwriting. She began studying songwriting in July 2013 and is now pleased to perform her original songs.
In 2009, Patti was delighted to perform guitar, accordion and vocals with The Buddy Brayfield Band for a benefit performance in Lake of The Ozarks, Missouri. Mr Brayfield was a former member of The Ozark Mountain Daredevils.
Patti’s performance style has been described as “bedroom ballads” with jazzy blues undertones. Patti Nicoletti Johnson is currently working in the studio on her sophomore album of original songs.
Patti Nicoletti Johnson performs in the Joplin, Missouri area.
