by Jason MacNeilFrom the time he picked up his first saxophone in the sixth grade, Grady Nichols fell in love with the instrument. Raised in Siloam Springs, AK, Nichols studied under legendary saxophonist Joe Davis in his high school years. After graduating from John Brown University, Nichols moved to Tulsa and became recognized on the scene for his mix of jazz and gospel hues. In 1996, he released his debut album, Between You and Me, which was mainly a live recording. The following year saw him release Mysterious Intentions. Having performed or shared the stage with everyone from the O'Jays and Bill Champlin to Herb Alpert and Huey Lewis & the News, the musician perfected his craft and became one of the new stars on the jazz scene. In 2001, he released In the Fullness of Time and quickly returned to the studio to record his fourth album, Sophistication. When not performing on land, Nichols has performed on various cruise lines. He has appeared on the gospel television show Hour of Power and has remade the Star Trek theme, which impressed William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. The performer also hosts an annual charity concert, which has seen performers including the Beach Boys. He has also performed at the World Pulse Festival in Indiana.