Roger Nichols

From Wind Repertory Project
Roger Nichols

Biography

Roger Stewart Nichols (17 September 1940, Missoula, Mont.) is an American songwriter.

Roger Nichols and his parents moved to Santa Monica, Calif., when he was a year old. His dad was a journalism graduate and a professional photographer who played sax in local jazz bands. His mother was a music major and a classical pianist. When Nichols started grade school, he picked up the violin, continuing his violin and classical studies throughout grammar and high school. His attention turned to basketball and Nichols forsook violin for the hoops but played guitar on the side.

Nichols studied at the University of California at Los Angeles on a basketball scholarship. While there, he spent three years studying music. Nichols began writing songs in high school, and formed his own vocal group, Roger Nicholas and a Small Circle of Friends. He signed an exclusive songwriter contract with A & M Records in 1968.

Nichols has composed many songs, along with music for films, television and commercials. His song We’ve Only Just Begun won a commercial Grammy Award nomination in 1970. Among his other memorable songs are Rainy Days and Mondays and The Times of Your Life.


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