(February 15, 2025) One of the earliest pieces of advice I received from a music industry veteran when I started SoulTracks was “Don’t meet your heroes.” The notion was that there would only be disappointment if I got to know the singers whom I had admired when I was a kid. I certainly understand the advice, as the personalities of musical stars are as complex as the rest of us, and sometimes more complex. But among the stars who I am so glad to have gotten to know over the past twenty-two years of SoulTracks is J.D. Nicholas.
I first started following J.D. when I was a teenager, as he took on the difficult role of joining one of my favorite bands, Heatwave, in the aftermath of lead singer Johnny Wilder’s tragic auto accident. And after a half decade in that group, J.D. moved to the Commodores, where he replaced a departing Lionel Richie at the band’s most precarious moment. In other words, he was a singer who walked into two extremely difficult and emotional circumstances.
That where J.D.’s secret power always seemed to come through: grace. A talented and uncommonly kind artist, J.D. stepped into these difficult circumstance beautifully, first helping to solidify a reeling Heatwave, and then contributing to “Nightshift,” the comeback song that led the Commodores all the way to #1 and their first Grammy Award.
“Nightshift” began a four decade stint for J.D. with The Commodores, with the group recording occasionally and touring regularly (and, of course, receiving the SoulTracks Lifetime Achievement Award). Throughout the last two of those decades, J.D. has regularly corresponded with us at SoulTracks, and it has been a absolute joy for us to get to know the artist and the man.
Now, still healthy and quite happy, J.D. notified us today (see below) that he is retiring from the Commodores to spend more time with his wife, Lynn, and his family (The Commodores will continue with former Tower of Power and AWB singer Brent Carter joining). And we are happy to say “congratulations” to an artist who has brought both great music and great feelings to us for all these years. He is one of those people who made me glad that I met my heroes. Happy retirement, J.D.
Chris Rizik
Here is J.D.’s letter to SoulTracks, which he authorized us to post:
February 15, 2025
Dear Chris,
I am writing to inform you of my retirement, effective December 1, 2024. This decision did not come easily, but simply put, after 50+ years in the music industry, most of which was spent touring the world, it’s time for me to come off the road and enjoy life with my family and friends.
I am grateful for my 40+ years with The Commodores and for the opportunities and experiences I have had with the group. The same holds true for my previous time spent with Heatwave.
I sincerely appreciate all the fans and industry peers of mine that have supported me over so many years. Thanks for the memories and I wish all only the best! Chris, you can rest assured that I will be checking in regularly with SoulTracks!
Sincerely,
J.D. Nicholas
