Nick Colionne, a smooth jazz guitarist and singer who was known for his colorful outfits and captivating stage presence, died unexpectedly on New Year’s Day, according to his publicist. He was hospitalized on December 31 with some pain and passed away early the next morning at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Elgin, Illinois. His age was not disclosed, but some sources estimated that he was 55 years old.
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A Life Dedicated to Music and Education
Nick Colionne was born in Chicago in 1966 and grew up in a musical household. He started learning guitar from his stepfather when he was nine years old and turned professional by the age of 15. He toured with various artists and bands, often disguising himself with a fake mustache to fit in.
He released his first album, It’s My Turn, in 1994 and gained recognition in the international jazz scene in the early 2000s. He had eight No. 1 hits on Billboard’s smooth jazz airplay chart and was the only smooth jazz artist with five No. 1 hits from a single album, The Journey, in 2016. His most recent album, Finger Painting, came out in April 2020 and he had a new project, Just Like That, expected this spring.
Besides his recording career, Colionne was also a dedicated educator and humanitarian. He spent over 20 years as a part-time music teacher and counselor at St. Laurence Elementary School in Elgin, where he mentored and inspired young students. He also supported breast cancer causes and received the Wayman Tisdale Humanitarian Award at the 2010 National Smooth Jazz Awards for his community work. He received the Malcolm X College Alumnus of the Year Award in 1996.
Tributes from Fans and Fellow Musicians
Colionne’s death shocked and saddened his fans and fellow musicians, who paid tribute to him on social media and other platforms. Many praised his talent, style, personality, and generosity, and shared their memories of working with him or seeing him perform.
Saxophonist Michael Lington, who had performed with Colionne several times, called him his “brother” and said, “We all have the same experience with him, always fun and warm on and off stage” . Keyboardist Bee Boisseau, who considered Colionne his “uncle”, wrote, “Sharp dressed … AT ALL TIMES! And he could play that daggone guitar!!! So much fun to be around … so much wisdom … such talent! I am better for knowing him” . Singer Maysa, who collaborated with Colionne on a song called “Born Again” in 2014, said, “He was one of the sweetest, kindest, most talented, and funniest people I have ever met” .
Colionne’s fans also expressed their love and appreciation for him and his music, and said that he would be greatly missed. One fan commented, “Nick Colionne was one of my favorite jazz artists. His music always lifted my spirits and made me smile. He was a joy to watch on stage and a gentleman off stage. I am heartbroken by his passing” . Another fan said, “Nick Colionne was a legend in the jazz world. His guitar playing was phenomenal and his style was unmatched. He was always friendly and gracious to his fans. He had a huge impact on my life and I will always cherish his music” .
A Legacy That Will Live On
Nick Colionne’s sudden and untimely death has left a void in the jazz community and in the hearts of his family, friends, and fans. He was a remarkable artist who lived life to the fullest and who was loved by everyone. His legacy will live on through his music, his teachings, and his humanitarian efforts. He was a true star who brightened the world with his colorful notes and his radiant smile. He will be remembered as one of the greatest jazz guitarists and singers of all time. Rest in peace, Nick Colionne. You will never be forgotten.
