Nick doesn't know Jack.
That would be Uncle Jack - the late veteran Oscar-winning movie star of one-armed push-up fame. Although the two are related, they only met once when Nick was 3.
That said, LA-native Nick does know some pretty high-profile "others" the likes of William Shatner, Jerry Bruckheimer, Jon Voight and LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. They are among many notables for whom the world-class singer has recently performed private concerts - all "stars" in their own right, who have repeatedly chosen Nick to entertain for clients, family and friends.
The youngest of five children, Nick was born to a father/flautist with the New York Philharmonic and a mother/teacher/pipe organ builder from Mexico City, herself from a long line of accomplished musicians and artists. By age 6, Nick could read music and had taught himself to play the organ. By the time he was 9, he'd discovered the guitar and launched his "rock and roll life." At 17, Nick was "over rock and roll" and entered the prestigious Southern California Conservatory of Music ultimately graduating with a degree in voice and a minor in classical guitar.
While at the Conservatory, one of his teachers, by chance, heard his voice and insisted that he try out for a vocal scholarship. Reluctantly, he learned two opera arias, two Broadway show tunes and two standards in two weeks in order to compete. Not only did he win, he went on to win the same scholarship three more times - and discovered a true appreciation for opera in the process. Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo quickly became his new gold standard in musical excellence and achievement.
Over the next six years, Nick formally trained with world renowned baritone, Dr. Hernan Pelayo. Dr. Pelayo is known for his ten years as lead baritone at La Scalla in Italy, as well as his lead rolls aside Maria Callas and Beniamino Gigli.
After a tenure with the Canadian Tenors and a starring role in the Los Angeles production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", Nick's story sounds like a soaring aria written just for him - one which he can now sing in 8 languages as he performs public and private concerts throughout the world.
Although his musical roots were originally pop and rock, Nick now describes his style as classical with pop influences. That puts him in some pretty rarified company with other pioneering pop opera ("popera") virtuosos such as Andrea Bocelli, Michael Crawford, Josh Groban, Sarah Brightman and Charlotte Church.
Currently, Nick is working with two of the music industry's most elite -- Oscar and Grammy-Award winning producer, arranger and composer Jorge Calandrelli as well as the great producer, programmer and sound design engineer Greg Bartheld. The romantic original songs found on their latest project "Saving Grace" represent an enchanting musical fusion combining the intensity and passion of classical and opera with the more modern lyric appeal of pop.
Enough said. Now it's time to listen. You won't believe your ears... or your heart.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Nick Palance and other top speakers and celebrities.