Niki J. Crawford

A southern belle with a healthy case of the acting bug and soulful rock vibrations that just makes you want to move your
body to her voice.
We can expect this and more with Louisiana native Niki J. Crawford and the muse of her creativity. The
singer, songwriter and actress has been busy doing everything from working on her album scheduled to
drop in early December, doing musical collaborations with Mary J. Blige and Brian McKnight, or working
on the set.
Crawford is currently starring in the upcoming movie, “Love Ranch,” a true story about the first legalized
brothel in Nevada . Crawford is starring alongside Joe Pesci, Helen Mirren and Gina Gershon. Casted as
the role of Tawny, Crawford aced the audition and captivated the movie director, Taylor Hackford, and
spoke favorably about her audition.
“The director thought that I was a real working girl because I was so good,” Crawford said. “It was the first
time that Hackford casted someone without a meeting.” Crawford enjoyed doing the movie, working with
the actors and crew, and the overall experience.
“My character [Tawny] isn't new but she has not been there the longest,” she said. “She likes being there
because it's free, fun and she enjoys it. She just loves sex and it's wasn't anything deeper than that.”
Crawford also stated that she and the actors and crew clicked and it was a good environment. In addition
to the “Love Ranch” movie, Crawford has appeared in many movies, including “He's Just Not That Into
You,” “Gridiron Gang,” and “Man of the House.”
“Acting was something that I've always wanted to do,” Crawford said. After being casted as the role of Joanne in the
theatre production of “Rent,” she loved it and kept on pursuing more acting projects. Just like acting, singing was another
love that Crawford knew that she had to pursue.
“I sang my first solo when I was five years old in church. I was loud; my family and pastor was screaming, ‘Sing baby,'”
she said. Crawford has always had music around in her life. Her songwriting is based on life experiences and when she
gets the urge, every part of the song comes out.
“If I can't sleep, for example, I'll get up and write,” she said. “Sometimes, it comes suddenly and I'll end up singing the
melody, the base line, etc.” With inspiration from singer Whitney Houston to her other favorites, such as Stevie Wonder
and Frankie Beverly and Maze, Crawford has eclectic plans for her solo album. Her album will be filled with personal lyrics
and a soulful, rocky, bluesy feel. Crawford has already started touring with renowned musicians.
“I remember when I had to audition for Macy Gray's concert. She was like, ‘Girl, you can sing! You are awesome, but
you're so country...let's go shopping,'” Crawford chuckles, reminiscing about the fun she had on the tour. “Macy and her
people still talk about it, but it's all in good fun.” She eventually went on to open shows for Carlos Santana and Nikki
Costa. Crawford has done wonderfully making a name for herself in the industry and gives credit to her family for their
loving support.
“My mother came out first to Long Beach and then I came,” she said. Crawford also stated that her mother got stuff going
for the small town girl going to the big city to pursue her dreams. With her dynamic voice, sultry southern accent, and fun
personality, Ms. Niki J. Crawford will surely cancel any negativity with the positive energy found in her talents.
- Inside Black Hollywood

WE HEAR,

THAT, Damien Wayan, of the prodigiou Wayans brother, will host the first New York benefit ever for the African Children's Choir Friday at 583 Park Ave. with a live performance by NIKI J. CRAWFORD.----(published-4/29/2009} - New York Post!-

Niki J. Crawford has more than just a shared birthday in common with her musical inspiration Whitney Houston. A Recording Artist/Songwriter from the small country town of Springhill, Louisiana, Niki J. Crawford has a powerful, unforgettable, but melodic voice, writes her own poignant lyrics and creates music with a soul-pop-rock sound that you can feel. Niki has been singing since she was 6 years old, starting off as the lead soloist in her hometown Church choir. She has internationally toured with music icons such as Macy Gray, Carlos Santana and Nikka Costa; is featured on multiple tracks on albums of Babyface, Mary J. Blige, George Michael and Brian McKnight. Currently, Niki is in-studio working on her first solo album that is slated to drop at the end of 2009. She will also be featured in a duet with CoCo Montoya on his new album dropping in September of 2009. While touring she has performed on various late-night TV shows such as Jay Leno, David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, and Saturday Night Live.

Clearly a multi-talented artist, Niki J. Crawford not only sings, but is also a talented and growing actress. Recently, Niki has completed shooting the upcoming film, "Love Ranch", premiering this year at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival. Based on a true story, Niki plays “Tawny”, a beautiful sex-driven working girl in the first legalized brothel in Las Vegas, alongside stars Gina Gershon, Taryn Manning & Bai Ling. The film also stars Helen Mirren, Joe Pesci, and is directed by Taylor Hackford, known for his work on RAY and Devil’s Advocate. Her body of film work also includes co-starring alongside Ginnifer Goodwin and Kevin Connolly in the hit comedy, "He’s Just Not That Into You"; “American Dreamz”, in which she plays an incredible singer who gets to tell Hugh Grant…I HATE YOU!; as well as roles in “The Tenants” “Seeing Other People”, "Gridiron Gang", "Miss March", and “Killer Diller”, which she received a “Two Thumbs Up” for her performance and was told “She is The REAL American Idol” from Ebert & Roper. Niki also guest starred on television shows Ally McBeal, Wanted, and Scarlett series regular; hit productions “Rent” (Shubert Theater), and “Behind Closed Doors” (Tyler Perry Prod./T.D Jakes Prod.); and is also currently featured singing in the national Subway Campaign along side former NY Giants defense end Michael Strahan.

It is evident that this young artist is on a mission and with her new album and film “Love Ranch” simultaneously being released at the end of 2009, Niki J. Crawford is definitely THE girl to keep on your radar. Niki currently lives in Los Angeles, CA and is also involved in non-profits such as the African Children’s Choir and enjoys many sports like basketball, horseback riding and swimming. Niki explains, “My goal is to make feel good music and great films with an energy that inspires and alleviates negativity.” Whom You Know is so pleased to present her as Mover and Shaker!

Peachy Deegan interviewed Niki J. Crawford for Whom You Know.

Peachy Deegan: What is your first musical memory?
Niki J. Crawford: My first musical memory is sitting on this old stereo where my mama would play all her records-real records- (Frankie Beverly and Maze, Aretha Franklin, Stevie) Basically all the good stuff, and I would sit on it and sing along!

What is the first song you wrote?
The one I remember was called "Smitten"....I remember my mama saying "How do you know that big ol word?"

What inspires you to write songs?
HONESTY--my songs most always come from my truth, or the truth of who I was around that day.... all my songs are true and it happened!

What makes a vocalist who writes their own songs different from those that sing other people's songs?
Well, for me, I just "feel" it a little differently....I have sang other people's songs and it was great, but when it's a song that comes from my heart, or my personal experience, It just comes out of me different - from my soul.

What are you proudest of?
Aww man, I am proud that I was brought up to love me and never forget others....... and I'm so proud of my gift to sing and to love people, and really mean it.

Who have you enjoyed working with the most and why?
I really enjoyed touring with Santana....I remember it well…it was my birthday, and he brought me up on stage and said out loud to thousands of people, "This girl has a voice that brings people closer to God"..........I cried of course, but that’s how he was.....HUGE, but also so HUMBLE! that was a cool moment!( He also gave me a really cool birthday gift that year!)

What are your 5 favorite songs of all time?
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?--too hard, but I will try..... Donny Hathaway's-"Giving Up", Whitney Houston's live version of "A Song For You", Frankie Beverly & Maze-ALL OF THEM, Mother's Finest-"Truth", and Stevie Wonder-ALL OF THEM!........ sorry that's the best I could do.

How did you like working with Hugh Grant?
It was fantastic! My character - Whom You Know

“Niki J Crawford Live at Mrs Fish Los Angeles 1/30/2016: Niki J Crawford's music is mainly funk but she teases you with R&B, reggae and rock, eventually ending back up at the funk in a good and creative way. “Played” is an example of a song that starts out as a reggae tune. Bob Marley flashes across your mind and you think, “Yeah, cool!” The song changes lanes to an R&B feel only to swerve into the fast lane as we’re led through a blistering solo in the style of Led Zeppelin and then nonchalantly fusing itself into the next song of the set. Crawford’s voice is immaculate. Best set of pipes around. She croons like Lucille Bogan and belts it out like Tina Turner—with all the moves too. Niki J Crawford and her distinctive band sounded great in this well-mixed room. Her vocals were pristine and sounded fantastic; soothing and smooth yet strong and powerful. Though infused with rhythms inspired by the likes of Tito Puente and Maná, don’t be fooled—Niki J Crawford is about funk, funk and more funk”
Pierce Brochetti - Music Connection - Music Connection

Singer/songwriter Niki J Crawford’s new EP The Genesis Block EP is a brilliant introductory project that will surely resonate with the listener. Sonically she displays a range of emotions and musical styles fusing RnB, Soul and Blues. The live instrumentation on the EP is more than brilliant as her band take it back to the basics with vibrant, vintage sounding backdrops which accompanies Niki’s emotionally powerful lyrics and delivery. On The Genesis Block Ep, she delves topically into familiar territory albeit with a different approach yielding brilliant results and to be honest I think this is something for all to check out. It will surely grow on you.

Hit the play button and get familiar with Niki J Crawford
TECKZILLA - The Word Is Bond - The Word is Bond