Nellie “Tiger” Travis, a native Mississippian Blues/Southern Soul singer and song writer has graced many stages all over the world with her raspy and sultry voice for over 30 years. She began singing at the age of five, starting out on the stage of Gospel. Her musical artistry began with the blues scene in Chicago, IL and it was there while becoming a regular attraction on the Chicago blues circuit that Nellie’s nickname “Tiger” was given to her by a cousin which aptly describes her intense, feline vocal style as well as her feisty, independent personality. Being a protégé of the late great, Koko Taylor, the Queen of the Blues, Nellie has proven to be taught by the best and was named the new “Queen of the Blues” for Chicago by the Bluesman and WVON radio personality, Purvis Spann in 2009. Throughout her career, she has been recognized with numerous awards, in 2017, Nellie appeared on the “Tonight Show” hosted by Jimmy Fallon and sang one of her original songs with the Roots Band, a first for any southern soul artist to appear on national television and appeared on numerous television stations throughout Chicago. In 2018, she was honored with an award for “Best Blues Entertainer” at the Chicago Music Awards to include the Koko Taylor award, “Queen of the Blues” from the Just Blues Award. And in 2019, Nellie won the “International Artist of the Year” from Zydeco Blues and Trailride Awards in Houston, TX.
Upon leaving the Chicago blues circuit, Nellie’s goal was to get into acting by starring in Tyler Perry’s productions. However, although she never was afforded the opportunity to be a part of that acting world, the “Tiger” also made a name for herself on the Southern Soul scene. Her single, Mr. Sexy Man rose to fame after Tyler Perry, a guest on the Steve Harvey Radio show, was being interviewed by comedian/actress, Kim Whitley started singing the song while in character as Madea, previously stating she was working on a new album with an artist called Nellie “Tiger” Travis. Nellie has been performing and touring on the Southern Soul circuit for the past 20 years and for a while was the only female artist doing so, paving the way for new upcoming female Southern Soul artists. She is now known as the “Queen of Southern Soul”. As Nellie continues to excel and take her career to higher heights, her hometown in Mississippi has been dedicated Juneteenth in honor of her accomplishments and contributions and therefore it has also been recognized as the Nellie “Tiger” Travis Day for the past three years. The street where she grew up, will be named after her as well. With a contribution of several albums to the Southern Soul genre, you don’t want to miss Nellie’s new album paying homage to KoKo Taylor ,Denise LaSalle, Peggy Scott Adams, and Betty Wright.
