Why J.D. Nicholas from both Heatwave and The Commodores sounds like he's black American when he sings instead of British

1. J.D. Nicholas, which his real name is James Nicholas, grew up in a predominantly African American neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan. This likely influenced his vocal style and musical influences.

2. He was also heavily influenced by the Motown sound, which originated in Detroit and was predominantly made up of African American artists.

3. Nicholas joined Heatwave in the late 1970s, where he was mentored by the lead singer, Johnnie Wilder Jr., who was also African American. This could have influenced his vocal style and delivery.

4. The Commodores were also heavily influenced by Motown and R&B music, which could have contributed to Nicholas' vocal style.

5. Nicholas has also stated in interviews that he has always been drawn to the soulful sound of African American singers and has worked hard to emulate that when he sings.

6. His vocal training and experience in both Heatwave and The Commodores likely helped him develop and perfect his soulful singing style.

7. Nicholas has also spent a significant amount of time touring and performing in the United States, which could have further influenced his vocal style.

8. He may also intentionally choose to sing in a more soulful and "black American" style as a way to pay homage to his musical influences and the genres he grew up listening to.

9. Some people may perceive his vocal style as being "black American" because it differs from the traditional British vocal style, which tends to have more of a pop or rock influence.

10. Ultimately, Nicholas' vocal style and delivery are a combination of his personal musical influences, training, and experiences, which have resulted in a unique and soulful sound that may sound more "black American" to some listeners.

There are a few reasons why some Americans may find it strange that British singer J.D. Nicholas sounds like a black American when he sings without a British accent.

Firstly, there is a stereotype that all British people have a distinct accent, and that it is uncommon for them to sound like they are from another country or ethnicity. This stereotype is perpetuated by media representations of British people, particularly in American media where British accents are often exaggerated or used for comedic effect.

Additionally, there is a history of cultural appropriation and erasure in the music industry, particularly when it comes to black American music. Many British artists have been accused of appropriating black American culture and music, and so when a British singer sounds like they are from the same community as the music they are singing, it can be seen as unusual or even offensive to some Americans.

It may also be surprising to some Americans because they may not be familiar with the diversity of British culture and may not realize that there are black British people who have grown up listening to and being influenced by black American music.

Furthermore, British singers who have found success in the American music industry have often modified their accents to sound more American, so it may be uncommon for an artist to embrace their British accent while singing black American music.

Overall, the perception that it is strange for a British singer to sound like a black American when singing without a British accent is rooted in stereotypes, cultural appropriation, and a lack of understanding of the diversity within British culture and music.

Nightshift

I Keep Running

Lay Back

Thank You

Homeless

Right Here 'N Now

Stretchhh

Ain't Givin' Up

Miracle Man

Let's Apologize

Land of the Dreamer" 

"Talk to Me" 

"I Wanna Rock You"

"Take It from Me"

"United in Love"

"Can't Dance All Night" 

Here are the 7 theories why he learned to sing like a black American soul singer instead of British:

1. Influence of Black American Music: One of the main theories for why British soul singer J.D. Nicholas learned to sing like a black American soul singer is the influence of Black American music on his style and performance. Nicholas grew up listening to artists such as James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye, and his love for their music is reflected in his vocal delivery and performance style.

2. Cultural Exchange: Another theory is that Nicholas developed his singing style through cultural exchange between Britain and the United States. In the 1960s and 1970s, there was a significant cultural exchange between these two countries, with many British artists being heavily influenced by Black American music. This could have played a role in shaping Nicholas' style and vocal techniques.

3. Soul Music's Popularity in Britain: Soul music gained popularity in Britain during the 1970s and 1980s, and Nicholas was part of this movement. He may have learned to sing like a black American soul singer to fit in with the popular music scene and appeal to a wider audience.

4. Personal Connection to Soul Music: Another theory is that Nicholas had a personal connection to soul music and was drawn to its emotional and expressive nature. He may have found it easier to express himself through this type of music, leading him to learn to sing like a black American soul singer.

5. Training and Practice: It is also possible that Nicholas learned to sing like a black American soul singer through formal training and practice. He may have studied the vocal techniques and styles of his favorite artists and incorporated them into his own singing.

6. Desire to Emulate Role Models: As a young singer, Nicholas may have looked up to black American soul singers and wanted to emulate their success and style. This desire to be like his role models could have motivated him to learn to sing like a black American soul singer.

7. Natural Talent: Finally, it is worth considering that Nicholas may have a natural talent for singing in the style of black American soul singers. Some singers have a natural ability to adapt their voice and style to fit different genres, and Nicholas may be one of them.